Review of A Long Ago place
Posted: 15 Dec 2023, 15:58
[Following is a volunteer review of "A Long Ago place" by Donna Betten.]
A Journey Through A Long Ago Place
Nestled between the pages of "A Long Ago Place" lies a heartwarming tale spun from the threads of memory and imagination. A grandmother, her voice rich with the warmth of time, takes her grandchild on a magical journey to a place whispered from the echoes of her childhood. This is no ordinary land; it's A Long Ago Place, a secret kingdom conjured by the boundless creativity of the grandmother and her siblings during their sun-drenched days.
As the grandmother speaks, Westmaas's illustrations unfurl like dreamscapes, bringing A Long Ago Place to life in a symphony of soft hues and whimsical details. Towering trees with eyes that crinkle at the corners, houses built from gingerbread and stardust, and creatures with fur the color of dandelion wishes frolic across the pages. Each image is a testament to the boundless imagination that resides within us all, a reminder that even the simplest things can be imbued with magic when seen through the eyes of a child.
The story itself is a gentle exploration of themes that resonate deeply with both young and old. The unwavering bond between family forms the golden thread that runs throughout the narrative. We see it in the shared laughter that echoes through A Long Ago Place, in the whispered secrets passed down through generations, and in the quiet moments of understanding that transcend words.
The book also celebrates the transformative power of play. A Long Ago Place is not just a physical location; it's a state of being, a world where anything is possible if you believe. We witness the grandmother and her siblings as they transform twigs into swords, pebbles into enchanted gems, and puddles into shimmering portals. Their uninhibited play is a testament to the boundless creativity that lies within each of us, waiting to be unleashed.
But "A Long Ago Place" is not without its bittersweet undertones. As the grandmother reminisces about her adventures, a touch of nostalgia tinges on her voice. The reader glimpses the passage of time, the inevitable fading of childhood innocence, and the bittersweet beauty of memories held dear. Yet, even in this bittersweetness, there's a sense of hope. The grandmother's stories are not just relics of the past; they are living embers, passed on to her grandchild to spark their imagination and weave their tales of wonder.
Ultimately, "A Long Ago Place" is a love letter to the enduring power of memory and imagination. It reminds us that even the most distant childhood moments hold special to our hearts, shaping who we become and the stories we tell. With its lyrical prose, captivating illustrations, and themes that resonate across generations, this book is more than just a bedtime story; it's an invitation to rediscover the magic within each of us, waiting to be unearthed and shared.
"A Long Ago Place" is an impeccably edited book for children that rightfully has claimed a 5 out of 5 star rating!
So, take a deep breath, curl up with your loved ones, and let "A Long Ago Place" whisk you away on an unforgettable journey. You might just find yourself returning to your own A Long Ago Place, a hidden corner of your heart where wonder still blooms and stories whisper on the wind.
******
A Long Ago place
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
A Journey Through A Long Ago Place
Nestled between the pages of "A Long Ago Place" lies a heartwarming tale spun from the threads of memory and imagination. A grandmother, her voice rich with the warmth of time, takes her grandchild on a magical journey to a place whispered from the echoes of her childhood. This is no ordinary land; it's A Long Ago Place, a secret kingdom conjured by the boundless creativity of the grandmother and her siblings during their sun-drenched days.
As the grandmother speaks, Westmaas's illustrations unfurl like dreamscapes, bringing A Long Ago Place to life in a symphony of soft hues and whimsical details. Towering trees with eyes that crinkle at the corners, houses built from gingerbread and stardust, and creatures with fur the color of dandelion wishes frolic across the pages. Each image is a testament to the boundless imagination that resides within us all, a reminder that even the simplest things can be imbued with magic when seen through the eyes of a child.
The story itself is a gentle exploration of themes that resonate deeply with both young and old. The unwavering bond between family forms the golden thread that runs throughout the narrative. We see it in the shared laughter that echoes through A Long Ago Place, in the whispered secrets passed down through generations, and in the quiet moments of understanding that transcend words.
The book also celebrates the transformative power of play. A Long Ago Place is not just a physical location; it's a state of being, a world where anything is possible if you believe. We witness the grandmother and her siblings as they transform twigs into swords, pebbles into enchanted gems, and puddles into shimmering portals. Their uninhibited play is a testament to the boundless creativity that lies within each of us, waiting to be unleashed.
But "A Long Ago Place" is not without its bittersweet undertones. As the grandmother reminisces about her adventures, a touch of nostalgia tinges on her voice. The reader glimpses the passage of time, the inevitable fading of childhood innocence, and the bittersweet beauty of memories held dear. Yet, even in this bittersweetness, there's a sense of hope. The grandmother's stories are not just relics of the past; they are living embers, passed on to her grandchild to spark their imagination and weave their tales of wonder.
Ultimately, "A Long Ago Place" is a love letter to the enduring power of memory and imagination. It reminds us that even the most distant childhood moments hold special to our hearts, shaping who we become and the stories we tell. With its lyrical prose, captivating illustrations, and themes that resonate across generations, this book is more than just a bedtime story; it's an invitation to rediscover the magic within each of us, waiting to be unearthed and shared.
"A Long Ago Place" is an impeccably edited book for children that rightfully has claimed a 5 out of 5 star rating!
So, take a deep breath, curl up with your loved ones, and let "A Long Ago Place" whisk you away on an unforgettable journey. You might just find yourself returning to your own A Long Ago Place, a hidden corner of your heart where wonder still blooms and stories whisper on the wind.
******
A Long Ago place
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon