Know, My Darlin'

Oh how times in the chapter book world have changed since I was a young reader.  I don't know about you, but in my opinion there is some really wacky stuff out there today. 

I elude, of course, to things like the Color Fairies and the Magic Kittens.  Granted, kids do like to read this stuff, but these books often contain such a convoluted story line that they are difficult even for an adult to follow, or plots in the series are tedious and unoriginal. 

All I am looking for is a clear yet, interesting plot and well developed characters.  So, it was in this spirited search that I stumbled upon...

    

Clementine by Sara Pennypacker

Here comes the "know, my darlin" portion of the post.  Let me introduce you to Clementine.  She is, in fact, a beautifully written character.  Pennypacker has really given us a glimpse of what appears to be a peek into someone's actual childhood.  And, the storyline is very clear.  

BUT, and this is a big one...

Clementine is so vulnerable.  She spends most of the first book commenting on how she knows she is the difficult child in the family, and much of the second feeling talentless.  Frankly, it was almost heartbreaking for me to read.  Whomever's childhood we peeking in at, I just want to go give that person a big bear hug and tell them they are great. 

In Pennypacker's defense, the books do end with Clementine feeling loved and appreciated, but there is a lot of stuff in the middle that just makes me sad, like her parents arguing, in front of her, over who has to take her shoe shopping because it is such a horrible task. 

Really, that's what you want to write about? Isn't there some happy medium between magical disappearing puppies and sweet little girls that feel they are talentless?  

At this point you are probably saying, "Whitney, why are you writing about this book then?!?"  Well, friends...

#1 I am writing to inform you.  Our librarian actually recommended these to my daughter without having read them and when I told her about some of the content, she went, "Hmmm, I guess I'll have to do some summer reading."

#2 I am writing to advise you.  Please!  Don't just trust those stars on amazon, read it first if you can, that's the best bet.

#3 I am writing to tell you to know you own little darlins.  For my daughter,Clementine is not a great pick.  Maybe for yours Clementine is perfect, and if so please share with us in the comments!! Either way, I just wanted you to know my darlin!  Oh and if you see a little Clementine, give her some love!

Careful Reading! Whitney