Poppy the Porcupine who was struggling to make friends is the hero of this story. Literally a hero because will be brave enough to save Rory, the tiger friend, from his cage where a human took him away. Thus, despite the reluctant start of their friendship as the spikes of the porcupine are rather discouraging the friendship. But those are the appearances and genuine feelings are stronger than any external inconvenients.
Cheshire-based Emma Sandford created a relatable story with very empathic characters. Read to pre-school and first-class children, it creates that tension and excitement that the little ones are always looking for. I´ve read the story to my 5yo son - my first audience for children books - and he was really excited about the turn of events, while asking questions after questions about the characters - how did the porcupine freed the cub? what did the porcupine say? are they friends again?
The Problem with Poppy is the kind of soul-to-soul kind of story, not only through the bridges built among the characters, but equally due to the bridges it creates between the characters and the audience. The writing is accessible without being simplistic and the illustrations - by Olena Osadcha - are relatable enough to add that pinch of colour and enjoyment one needs when reading a children story.
Indeed, the real problem with Poppy is that it´s such a cute character in a very pleasant good night story that the little ones will need to hear more about soon. As this is the first book from The Sumatran Trilogy, can´t wait to hear more about Poppy and her rainforest world. Extra points for teaching the little ones about rainforest and its animal realm.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered part of a book tour, but the opinions are, as usual, my own
What a lovely review! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading!
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