Review of A Long Ago place

[Rishaunda Lynnette Britton]

[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" is a children's story written by Donna Betten and illustrated by Julie Westmaas. It is a very short story and covers two critical stages in the narrator's life: her childhood, filled with her aspirations to become an exceptional woman and motherhood, and her adulthood, when she reminisces over those childhood wishes.

Donna has done an exceptional job capturing some of the pulls nature has on humans; it highlights the beauty of a life spent in harmony with nature and nature's gifts. It was a wonderful moment for me to read about the effects the gentle cooing of a pigeon sitting on a nearby tree branch had on the narrator; it reminded me of similar memorable experiences I have had strolling down a park on a cool summer evening.

I liked the author's vivid descriptions; they made it easier for me to relate to the narrator's childhood aspirations and her responses to the dancing sunrays, the birds, the white cloud, and the immensity of emotions they must have brought to her "fresh" mind. Furthermore, I was impressed by the story's motivational content; children should sure appreciate the beauty of dreaming—after all, it's free and doesn't hurt—and the glorious feelings of a fulfilled life.

However, I would like the author to consider improving the illustrations. I would appreciate clearer paintings and richer coverage of some striking scenes in the story. Also, I think including a glossary will help kids understand the meanings of any words strange to them, hence enhancing their overall reading experience.

I am rating "A Long-Ago Place" 5 out of 5 stars for its vivid, intriguing narrative flow, motivational content, and thorough editing. I didn't consider the concerns I noted in the above paragraph weighty enough to warrant my deduction of any stars from the rating. "A Long-Ago Place" should appeal to readers between four and nine years old.

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A Long Ago place
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[Enjani Matendeko]

My childhood was fun. But I think that Donna's childhood is even more fun given that she spent it with nature. The gentle cooing of a pigeon? I have felt it before. I found it soothing. I'd like to read this book.

[Vinay Penubothu]

Thank you for your detailed review! Your insights have piqued my interest, and I'm excited to dive into the book. Your review convinced me it's a must-read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts - they've inspired me to explore further.