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THE QUEEN OF FRANCE

Page history last edited by RichiesPicks 12 years, 11 months ago

10 April 2011 THE QUEEN OF FRANCE by Tim Wadham and Kady MacDonald Denton, ill., Candlewick, March 2011, 32p., ISBN: 978-0-7636-4102-3

 

"The Queen of France went to Rose's room.

"She took off the necklaces.

"She took off the bracelets.

"She put them in the jewelry box.

"She took off the crown."She put it in the make-believe basket.

"She went to the hall closet.

"She found a bandage and put it on her finger.

"Then she put on a second one, just in case.

"Then Rose went to find her mother."

 

I never ever thought that I would gush about a picturebook with sparkles on the cover.

 

But Kady MacDonald Denton's name and cover illustration are also on the cover of THE QUEEN OF FRANCE, and I am very fond of her work.

 

THE QUEEN OF FRANCE is a most wonderful story about a child engaged in pretend play.  This is a picturebook that will make kids smile and will truly excite any number of on-the-ball parents who seek out captivating reads-alouds, and on-the-ball early childhood educators who search for circletime winners, understand the great benefits of pretend play, and who put great effort into providing young students with dress up clothing, costumes, jewelry, hats, and pretend play props.

 

THE QUEEN OF FRANCE follows Rose's day of pretending after she wakes up in the morning feeling royal.  Changing in and out of her costume de jour, she interacts with her parents both as herself, Rose, and as the Queen of France. 

 

"'Hello, Rose's mother,' said the Queen of France.

"'Hello again,' said Rose's mother.

"'I am quite shocked to see that you do your own cooking,' said the queen.

"'Well, here in the village. we have to cook for ourselves.'

"The queen considered this, then said, 'I cannot find Rose.  Would you ask her something for me?'

"'I would be happy to,' said Rose's mother.

"'I would like to trade places with Rose,' said the Queen of France.  'I am tired of being queen.  I will be your daughter, and she can be queen.'

"'Your Majesty,' said Rose's mother, 'I am sure Rose would love that.'"  

 

Throughout the story, the interaction of text and illustration is a joy to behold.  They play off one another with an ebullience and perfection that reminds me of watching Michael and Scottie playing together twenty years ago.  I also really love how, while the story of Rose is progressing, Rose's large stuffed animals - including a giraffe, a panda, a cockatoo, a monkey, a honey bear, and a bunny -- are taking turns either looking directly at the reader or are closely watching Rose aka The Queen of France. 

 

A royal treat.

 

Richie Partington, MLIS
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FTC NOTICE: Richie receives free books from lots of publishers who hope he will Pick their books.  You can figure that any review was written after reading and dog-earring a free copy received.  Richie retains these review copies for his rereading pleasure and for use in his booktalks at schools and libraries.

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