Review of A Long Ago place

[Chidinma Dijeh]

[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 charming children's book by Donna Betten with delightful illustrations by Julie Westmaas. It takes us on a journey through the imagination of a young girl who dreams of becoming a mother someday. The story unfolds beneath the shade of a majestic mulberry tree. Here, our young protagonist creates a whole world for herself and her pretend family. Using simple objects found in nature, she transforms her surroundings into a vibrant home. A fig twig becomes a broom to sweep the dirt floor, a smooth rock morphs into a stove for cooking imaginary meals, and the cool earth under the tree becomes a soothing bathtub. Stuffed animals and dolls become her precious children, each with unique names.

There is nothing I dislike about this book. The beauty of this book lies in its celebration of imagination. It reminds us that even with simple things, a child can create a universe filled with love and care. We see the young girl take on the role of a responsible mother, diligently tending to her "children's" needs. She pretends to come home from work, just like a grown-up, and then showers her pretend family with the same attention and affection a real mother would. The book subtly conveys the message that motherhood and a fulfilling career can go hand in hand. The young girl dreams of being a secretary, a seemingly "grown-up" job, yet she still finds immense joy in nurturing her pretend family. This is an important message for young girls, showing them that they can have big dreams for themselves while cherishing the idea of becoming mothers someday.

In my opinion, this book deserves 5 out of 5 stars. The illustrations by Julie Westmaas perfectly complement the story. They create a dreamy atmosphere, capturing the essence of a child's imaginative world under the mulberry tree. The vibrant colors and playful details bring the pretend family and their cozy home to life, making it more relatable for young readers. The book is exceptionally well edited.

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A Long Ago place
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