3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Puffy and the Formidable Foe by Marie G. Lepkowski,? Ann M. Hannon,? Margaret B. Hannon. Is a children’s book with the emphasis on telling a fun story with a strong moral message that is clear but not ultimately overplayed. This is the first in a series of what the authors are calling ‘Little Kitten Books.’
This short book is designed with the idea of Mom or Dad reading to, and perhaps with, their young child as soon as they are able to interact with the simple ideas dealt with throughout. Indeed the idea of older siblings reading with their younger brother or sister is also actively encouraged and the interaction will undoubtedly assist in the development of both children.
The book encourages interaction by looking at words and moral situations and asking the adult to explain and discuss, very simply, the points in the story where some sort of personal judgement is required. It is an easily relatable tale especially, I think, for young children who are used to seeing pets in and around the house, it will encourage imagination and breathe life into what they perceive their pets get up to out in the world and, perhaps more importantly, what they shouldn’t get involved in!
The artwork and style used is very easy to follow and children will appreciate the presentation very closely mimics that which they would initially produce themselves. I would have prefered a more fulsome font being used for the dialogue boxes, just a little bigger, bolder and stylistically more congruous with the presentation on the rest of the page. Also a couple more bright colours could have been used to make the pages ‘pop’ for the eyes of young children. The colouring page included at the end could have been more strongly outlined, as it is it looks like a black and white version of one of the story pages and therefore unprofessional.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars for the target audience. I would say the presentation loses the overall product a mark for the reasons highlighted above. It is a commendable effort however in relation to the chosen audience and based on the materials presented. Parents will have to realise that to get the most out of this style of book for their child they are also going to have to take time and work a little, and accept that as part of the joy of having children.
******
Puffy and the Formidable Foe
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Armattcia666's review? Post a comment saying so!
