Customer Reviews

Lady with the Ship on Her Head (Reading Rainbow Book)

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

 

 

Not only is the story fun, the illustration are FANTASTIC. Non readers as well as older children will love this. How on earth can someone not know a ship is on their head? Are there really little people? Get a load of those clothes and hair styles. The ridiculous sparks the imagination of children. Elementary schools and public libraries should own it. It can lead to some educational discussions on past customs and costumes

I fell in love with this book when I was young and saw it on Reading Rainbow, and I'm thrilled that the love is still here so many years later!

This little treasure is filled with fun, both in writing (the names of all the women are hilarious!) and illustrations (I adore the illustrations! If for nothing else than this poor woman's hair looks like waves on the hull of the ship! Brilliant!)

The story is about Madame Pompenstance, who wishes that she could finally win "Best Headdress at the Fancy Dress Ball." When a miniature ship sails onto Pompenstance's head, she must endure an entire day of headaches and unbalance, because, of course, she doesn't *know* that there's a ship on her head. But, will it help her win the award anyway?

I'm not really sure which moral we're supposed to garner from this book - is it the absurdity of over-the-top fashion? Something about society and classes? That rudeness isn't rewarded? That the good will finally triumph? Because, does Madame Pompenstance really get what she wants? I'm assuming based on the end, that it's about not needing to fit it with the "it" crowd, but you know, maybe it's a hodge-podge of morals, or maybe it's none. I don't know, and I really don't care, because this book is so delightful anyway!

A slight warning: there is rum in this book - it's briefly mentioned, and only that it's cause for the ship's crew to throw a party. Nothing detailed, but, if it bothers you, then FYI.

I should probably only give this four stars, but, because of nostalgia and because it's just so unique I have to give it five!