Review: Perfect for parents of young children, and for classrooms and libraries
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 31, 2012
As a parent, I know how difficult it can be to find books that are fun to read to toddlers and young children.  Many were written to read... but not to read aloud."The Day Lady Lost Her Spots" is different.The characters in the book are deftly written so, as a parent reading this book aloud, you'll know right away what kind of voice to use for each character in this delightful tale.Likewise, the descriptions are vivid. You'll know right away when to speak with awe, when to add your own sound effects (if you want to), and so on.This is the kind of book that every parent looks for, when choosing something to read to a child at bedtime.  (It's also the kind of story that teachers and librarians are grateful for, for "story hour" days.  This book makes story time fun!)"The Day Lady Lost Her Spots" will appeal to boys and girls alike. The characters are a balance of male and female, and you can emphasize the roles to suit the child you're reading to.  Though the lead character is female, this is not a strictly "girly" tale.The vocabulary is normal.  That is, they're words you use every day, not just one- and two-syllable words.Though an early reader can sound them out, phonetically, this book is written so it sounds normal when it's read aloud.  That's important because so many children's books "talk down" to kids, as if they only know simple words.  (Reading those kinds of books aloud can be a real challenge. In my opinion, you can use stilted, easy-to-read words or you can weave a story that -- like "The Day Lady Lost Her Spots" -- sparks their imaginations and increases their interest in learning and in reading. It's sure to put a smile on your child's face when you read it aloud.)This is also a fine book for early readers, once they're familiar with the story. One of the most complex words in this book might be "dandelion."  It's a word that might challenge an early reader, but it can be sounded out, once the child knows the tale and can remember what that word is.  It allows the child to teach him- or herself how to read more advanced words.So, this is a book that serves several purposes.  It's a book with many good, subtle messages, from the silliness of vanity to the importance of taking regular baths.  (However, none of this is delivered in an obvious or heavy-handed method.  No "messages" detract from the charm of the story.)As a parent (and a former librarian), I'm thrilled with this book and delighted to discover author Lily Lexington.  We need more books like this one!