I found this book refreshing and sophisticated. I think most children will be able to gain something out of the sweet little story. I enjoyed its classical word choice and world view.
The text was incredibly well written, using expansive vocabulary and vivid details. Not only did Cooney use well chosen details to paint pictures with her words but also descriptive verbs, the key to writing with success like “murmur” and “transfixed.” Her choice of words challenges the reader, giving them confidence as they go along. She also does a very nice job of showing her readers not telling them what she means.
I found the elaborate and colorful illustrations insightful. Although they utilized later artistic techniques with shapes and colors the picture displayed a century now left in history. The architecture and clothing was exactly what one might expect in the late 1800s or early 1900s. They also are very detailed allowing the reader to look at them multiple times and still catch something new.
I think this book would be great for students doing a text set on the late 1800s or early 1900s. It would give students an inside look at the culture of that time period. Also the story is what I expect from that culture and what little Hatttie goes through. It is a great discussion book. Why were there so many rules of what she could and couldn’t do? Why did they think she meant painting houses not art work? There are many issues that a teacher could choose for a class discussion. I would want to read this book as a class or in a small group. I recommend this book.
Published: 1990
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