There Was a Bold Lady who Wanted a Star
by
Charise Mericle Harper
Order:
USA
Can
Little, Brown & Co., 2002 (2002)
Hardcover
Reviewed by Hilary Williamson
T
his retelling of
I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
is dedicated to the author's mother, '
who has always been a very bold lady
'. It goes on '
I don't know why she wanted a star - it seemed too far.
' So the
old lady
(who looks more middle aged) jogged, roller-skated, biked, drove a car, and flew an airplane. Finally she acquired a big rocket, '
then zoomed up and caught the star in her pocket.
'
T
he illustrations are bright and childlike, with delightful details like the caterpillar who handles shoe delivery, and wears five pairs himself! The tale is a nice turnaround - instead of a passive old lady who keeps opening her mouth and swallowing wildlife, the author gives us a very active one, a mom on a mission. And, as in the original, the reader keeps wondering '
why she wanted a star
'.
C
urious to know what the mission is? It surprised me and is rather sweet. Read this charming picture book and you'll find out too.
Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons.
Find more Kids books on our
Shelves
or in our book
Reviews