Review of Odonata The Flying Jewel of Maiden Grass Pond

[Damian Keyes]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Odonata The Flying Jewel of Maiden Grass Pond" by Barbara Gervais Ciancimino.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Barbara Gervais Ciancimino is the author of Odonata: The Flying Jewel of Maiden Grass Pond. Odonata is a male dragonfly who lives in Maiden Grass Pond with other fellow dragonflies, insects, and a bullfrog named Croaker. An outsider in his community, Odonata wants to be loved like everyone else. Will he be able to get his fellow dragonflies to accept him? You’ll have to get the book to find out.

All the dragonflies that live in the Maiden Grass Pond have blue and green iridescent wings; except Odonata, whose wings are colorless and dull. Odonata's physical appearance does not fit the norm. One day, a rainstorm occurs at the Maiden Grass Pond, which is terrible weather for dragonflies to fly in. Drago (a Blue Hawker dragonfly) is put in danger because of the storm and now Odonata has to decide what to do.

I admire the author for making this book about bullying. If you teach children early why bullying or dismissing others because of how different they look is wrong, then it will stay with them for life. For this reason, I believe children ages 5 to 7 will benefit from this story.

I like when Drago (a Blue Hawker dragonfly) is introduced in the story. He’s a rambunctious character who is seen as a bully by the community, but he has a bit of a soft spot for Odonata. From the reading, maybe he sees a part of himself in Odonata, maybe that’s why he defends Odonata when he sees others attack him.

Steve McGinnis is the illustrator of these beautiful drawings. A huge component of Odonata’s story is his appearance and how he's different from others. There’s an amazing surprise at the end of the story that kids will find visually stunning.

I am more than happy to give this book the highest rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Children’s books should not only be entertaining, they should also be informative. This book is both entertaining and informative in a way that children can have fun while easily taking in the message. I found no spelling or grammar errors in this exceptionally well-edited book. There’s nothing I disliked about this book.

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Odonata The Flying Jewel of Maiden Grass Pond
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