Review of A Long Ago place

[Autumn Barbur]

[Following is a volunteer review of "A Long Ago place" by Donna Betten.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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A Long-Ago Place by Donna Betten is a beautifully written children’s book that appeals to all five senses and takes the reader back to a simpler time and place. The story opens as the narrator hears the sound of birds and finds herself reminiscing about an ordinary day of play from her formative years. By the end of the first page, I had completely forgotten that I was reading about someone else’s memory. I was playing right alongside the little girl in the story. The story comes full circle as the girl’s pretend play becomes her reality as an adult, and she realizes it was just as wonderful as she dreamt it would be.

The whimsical, colorful illustrations support the story perfectly. The prevailing themes of contentedness and simplicity throughout the story are refreshing. I was reminded of the vital role of nature in imaginative play, and how that connection to nature and the wonder of it leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

One of my favorite features of this book is the additional pages at the end that include writing and drawing prompts, encouraging the reader to contemplate their own playhouse and favorite game. These prompts would make it an excellent book for elementary teachers to include in their language arts studies.

A Long-Ago Place has earned a rating of 5 out of 5 stars from me! If you have ever heard a sound, or detected a fragrance in the air that transported you back in time to a cherished childhood memory, you will appreciate this story. This is a book that I would enjoy reading to my children again and again. It made me look back with nostalgia on my own younger days, spent largely outside, playing imaginary games, dreaming of the life I now have as a mother of my own young children.

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A Long Ago place
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