A cute way to teach the timeless lesson: if you love something, set it free, a lesson that applies to people, wild creatures, and yes, even Bog Babies. ( )

Two young sisters sneak off to Bluebell Wood to fish for newts and are surprised by “something better” – a Bog Baby! They bring the frog-sized creature home to care for him, giving him shelter in a bucket filled with pretty shells, and feeding him cake crumbs. After a while, the Bog Baby turns ill, he no longer plays and his wings droop. The girls finally confide in their mother, who helps them return the Bog Baby to his true home in the magic pond. She smiles as she remembers her own childhood adventures with Bog Babies.

Gwen Millward’s pen-and-ink illustrations are bright and detailed. Dozens of colors in Bluebell Wood highlight the enchanted trees and carpets of flowers. The reader can easily discern the emotion on the children’s faces, and the expressions of joy, sadness, and fear on the Bog Baby.

I had to warm up to the creature himself – round, blue, boggly-eyed, spiky-tailed, and mouse-eared. That’s the power of believing – seeing the Bog Baby through my children’s eyes won me over!

I loved the lessons in The Bog Baby – from “tell the truth” and “ask for help” to “respect wildlife” and “believe in the possibilities.”

Full review at http://www.sheistoofondofbooks.com/20...
She is Too Fond of Books ( )