Customer Reviews

Blueberries for the Queen

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Here's why my boys (ages 5 and 7) and I loved this book: (1) its imaginative illustrations really capture the child's perspective; (2) in a very gentle way, it touches on WWII and an interesting historical footnote -- what a great jumping off point for more family discussion (if your kids are ready) on WWII and how it affected everyday Americans; (3) its charm: we love how William thinks the Queen is cleverly disguised as a Grandma; (4) How cool is it that the book's based on a true story? And it's a good story! In an age of predictable, formulaic children's fare, it's books like this that restore my faith that there are people out there who care about presenting children with quality storylines, and who respect children's intelligence.

This is a true family story from John and Katherine Paterson. In 1942 everyone in William's family is helping with the war effort on the homefront. William dreams of helping as a brave knight but his older brother chides him for being too young. When the news arrives that Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands has moved in down the road, he tries to imagine what a real queen looks like and acts like. The royal family had to flee from Holland when the Germans invaded the country. The fruits and vegetables in the summer garden grow and William finds a way to do "peace work" and touch the heart of Queen Wilhelmina and her family. Susan Jeffers illustrations are beautiful and carry the reader through the story. This is a book and a story that any age will enjoy.

I love that this book is told from the visual perspective of the young boy it is about. The beautiful illustrations intertwine reality and the boy's imaginings. Best of all, it's based on a true story. A little long for younger kids, but a family favorite in our house!

The setting of the book is 1942, World War 2. The main character is a little boy named William. He dreams of being a knight some day. He wants to help the war effort like the rest of his family. He has learned that the queen is living near by on a farm to escape Nazi invasion on her country. William sets out to make friends with the queen and picks her a basketof blueberries. The queen is very nice to him and they make friends with each other quicky.



The book was a little long for a picture book. Young children may not be able to last through the story.

Yes we would. Children who enjoy stories of knights will enjoy this story. We also liked learning that this book was based on a true story. It could be used during a unit on World War 2.