Thursday, July 3, 2014

The Dandelion's Tale by Kevin Sheehan -- ADVISABLE

Sheehan, Kevin The Dandelion's Tale, illustrated by Rob Dunlavey. PICTURE BOOK. Schwartz & Wade Books, 2014. $16.99. Content: PG.

The old dandelion knows that once all of its seeds have blown away, it will wither and die and no one will care. A sympathetic sparrow offers to transcribe the dandelion's story in the mud so all may read and remember. But when a heavy storm not only removes the last seeds -- thus killing the dandelion -- but also washes away the story, Sparrow must find a new way to help Dandelion be remembered after death.

As the synopsis shows, The Dandelion's Tale is not a light read. It is both uplifting and melancholy at the same time, and it deals with some pretty big issues, such as the fleetingness of life and being remembered after death. For those struggling with such issues -- perhaps those who have recently lost a grandparent or who are questioning the meaning of life -- this might be a good discussion opener, especially when read with an adult. Those looking for a sweet story about a bird and a flower, however, will likely find themselves surprised by the heaviness.

EL (K-3), EL -- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Caryn

No comments: