Customer Reviews

Penelope Jane: A Fairy's Tale

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

 

 

Penelope Jane is an inspiring heroine for the little ones. This `eyelash high' fairy embodies the humanistic qualities we all hope to instill in our children; fearlessness, confidence, enthusiasm, curiosity, and loyalty. Her zest for life and sense of adventure are the catalysts for the story. It is not until she ventures into the `human world' that she falters. However, empowered with an inner strength nurtured by her mother, she's not down for long. P.J. bounces back in a BIG way to take charge of the situation and as a result, saves the day.

The story reminds kids of their importance, to be their own person and to think for themselves. Though small in size, they're capable of monumental achievements.

This book is a complete package. The story unique and the narrative delightful with a wry comical undertone, and a lyrical sense to its rhyming scheme. The colorful illustrations visually support the story with their whimsical sensibility. The cd single included, `How to be Strong', is an inviting ode that once again repeats the theme of a child's validity in the face of life's many challenges.

Penelope Jane will quickly become a favorite before bedtime, but more importantly, in adulthood, will be spoken of and remembered. The resonance of the story and the childhood memories will undoubtedly create a link between them and their children, and their grandchildren, and their great grand children...

I was wandering through a bookstore with my daughter, waiting for the mall to open, when I saw this book on the shelf. My two-year-old thought the little fairy was cute, so I grabbed it to keep her busy. We sat and I read the book to her. I made it to the third page and was utterly hooked. I bought it and then later popped the CD that came with the book in the Stereo. What a beautiful song. I cried when I heard it .... touching...

This is one of the greatest children stories I have read in a long time. It has adventure, and even boosts a childs or anyone's self-esteem. Penelope Jane is a little fairy that only wishes to spend the day with her best friend at school. But if only Penelope's behavior was perfect. She manages to find herself in trouble most of the time. First she logrolls the chalk, falls in the glue, and gets stuck in a sandwich, which is covered in mustard. Could there be any more problems for Penelope? Of course! All the kids are going to lunch, and she suddenly see's that the trash can is on fire, what does she do? It's too late to pull the fire alarm, and she can't let the classroom burn. Finally the little fairy gets enough courage to save the day, by remembering a little esteem-booster song her mother use to sing to her. This book would be a excellent choice to get for your little one's. I think they will enjoy it.

First of all, let me say that I love the use of primary colorsin the illustrations. It is definitely appealing to the eye. Second,most of the rhyming and cadence of the story was uniform. There was one spot, however, that was very awkward to say. Crosissants and conference did not rhyme and made the page an awkward addition to the story. That being said, overall I did like the book. Penelope Jane is a cute character and my daughter liked her antics at the school when she got into so much trouble. Penelope Jane also became a hero dispite her tiny size by using her brain, which is a good lesson for children. However, this is not a book that I liked well enough to read over and over.

One certainly should not judge this book by it's cover. While the illustrations and even the title itself are quite darling, the story leaves a lot to be desired. It was almost as if the author was more concerned with making sure the text rhymed than with the actual contents of the story. I was left feeling disappointed.