Saturday, April 26, 2014

Rosa's Room by Barbara Bottner -- ESSENTIAL

Bottner, Barbara Rosa's Room, illustrated by Beth Spiegel. PICTURE BOOK. Peachtree Books 2004 (reprint, 2013). $15.95. Content: G.

Rosa has a brand new bedroom in a brand new house in a town where she doesn't know anyone yet. And that room looks so bare, so sad and empty. The solution? Decorate it until it becomes her own. Finally, only one thing is missing: a friend to play with her there.

Rosa's Room is a lovely addition to the popular genre of books about moving. It shows the excitement of making a new house into a home, while acknowledging the sadness that goes with the change. The hopeful ending demonstrates that moving to a new town can lead to some happy surprises. While the situation may not apply to all kids, this is a good one to have in the collection for those who do need a little understanding in book form.

EL (K-3) -- ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Caryn

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