Review: The feeling of success and self-satisfaction with friends
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 10, 2013
Author Shirly R.L. and Illustrator Anahit Aleksanyan continue to create stories about an adorable little girl named Annie whose crowning feature is a head of curls. With wise writing and beautiful illustrations they offer a story that is not only fun for children (especially little girls who worry about such things) but also that has some very wise lessons.Winter has passed and it is the first day of Spring and the kindergarten teacher asks Annie of the Curls and her friends what they think of when they hear the word `Spring'. The answers; birds, butterflies, trees and flowers that bloom, and JOY!  The teacher then asks them to draw pictures of Spring and while Annie's friends are successful, Annie can't draw a butterfly and is further confounded when one of her friends informs Annie that she can draw great butterflies, a remark that brings a grumpy `Who cares?' from Annie. From that frustration the children attempt to learn to jump rope, and while none of the girls can perform, Annie takes it personally and has to be encouraged that practice makes perfect. And sure enough, with much practice Annie learns to jump rope. Her mother suggests she apply the same concept to drawing butterflies (Annie feels guilty for being critical of her friend who actually could draw butterflies) so she apologizes to her friend and in turn her friend helps her to learn. `It may take time and lots of practice to get it right, but it's worth it!' Lessons learned, including the fact that it is not necessary to be embarrassed to ask for help.Once again little curly headed Annie (courtesy of Shirly and Anahit) provide a fun and learning story for children. Grady Harp, August 13