Monday, May 4, 2015

Pookins get her Way by Helen Lester –OPTIONAL

Lester, Helen  Pookins get her Way HMH Books for Young Readers, (reprint from 1987) 2015. $8.99 PICTURE BOOK
Pookins likes nothing better than a tantrum that includes yelling and throwing apples if she doesn’t get what she wants. So she gets everything she wants. When she meets a magical gnome, she has plenty she wants that she hasn’t gotten already. After making a wish that she didn’t think out very well, she must choose to be unselfish or risk being stuck forever in a shape that can’t throw apples.
I know there is a lesson here, but its really subtle and I just don’t think children will learn much from this story. Basically Pookins only did a good thing, a single good thing, because she was forced into it. The original illustrations are included which are harmonious and fun. I probably wouldn’t add this book to my collection and seek out more obvious lessons on consideration and not being a spoiled brat.
EL(K-3) –OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

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