Customer Reviews

Pearl's New Skates

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When Pearl receives a pair of grown-up single blade skates for her birthday, she can hardly wait for the ice to form on the nearby lake. The cheerful, optimistic bunny puts on a red skating skirt that Grandma made her, and practices twirls and jumps on the floor. There's a big, confident look on her face-she's very proud of herself!

Pearl's pride turns into snobbery, however, when the lake finally freezes over. She turns down her good friend Thistle's invitation to skate, because Thistle is wearing plain skates with double blades. Pearl, also refuses her Uncle Jack's gentle offer to help her: "'No thank you,' said Pearl. `I don't need any help.'" But Pearl is soon skating on thin ice because she counted her eggs before they hatched (a doubly mixed metaphor), so to speak... Twirling on imaginary blades is one thing, but skating is entirely different.

But instead of going forward,
Pearl lost her balance.
She swayed back and forth.
Her arms went around like pinwheels.
Her bottom hit the ice with a thump...

Dejected, Pearl goes home, not listening to her Mom's words that becoming an ice ballerina takes time. And the next day, Pearl doesn't want to skate...or read, or draw. Her Uncle Jack suggests that they practice together the next morning, before anyone else is there. At first she refuses, but her uncle has such a nice smile that she decides to go, warning that she "might not stay very long." Her mom also makes a thermos of hot chocolate for them to share. . Pearl shows perseverance (one of the key words under which this book is catalogued), but it's really Uncle Jack who doesn't give up, and eventually Pearl joyously feels the wind rushing past her ears as she moves on her single-bladed skates against a beautifully drawn blur of green trees. With the soft green trees and blue sky about them, she and Uncle Jack sit down and enjoy some hot chocolate. When she gets home, Pearl calls her friend Thistle and they skate hand in hand together the next day.

Holly Keller's wonderful book is emotionally honest, showing the real highs and lows that Pearl experiences. Pearl is likeable and ebullient, but she isn't always nice, and Keller doesn't sugarcoat it (nor does she paint her as a "bad" person). One of the many highlights of this book is the way the entire family supports Pearl, including her Grandmother and her Uncle Jack. Jack is especially well drawn: His facial expressions and his entire body language suggest patient, good-natured acceptance. The soft, interesting colors and patterns, done in watercolors and black line add to the visual interest. Another winning book from Keller and her publisher, Greenwillow!

As usual, I am very satisfies with service and product. Very good quality for a used product.