Monique de Varennes

The main character, Bibi Branchflower, was in love with herself and her many possessions, but her affection and attention manages to take a turn to the two sad ballerinas in her jewel box. She travels the world to try and find the key to their happiness which she finds out is only her love and friendship. I loved this book and would use it in my classroom!

Bibi Branchflower is a crotchety old woman who is so wealthy she can have two of everything. Two limos, two houses, even two little pugs. But Bibi is also unhappy. When she finds a lovely jewelry box in a shop, she is upset that it's a unique item, until she opens it and finds two sad little ballerinas. Despite the owner's warning, Bibi purchases the box and sets off on a quest to cheer the dancers up.

RESPONSE: The book tries to convey the "money cannot buy happiness" theme, especially since show more the expensive items Bibi gives to the box does not cheer her dancers up. Instead, it is when Bibi loves the figures that they come to life, and give Bibi love in return. Like the story "Pygmalion", the important transformation is that of Bibi, not the dancers.

THEMES/CONCEPTS: love, generosity, happiness show less

Monique De Varennes takes an unrealistic situation and made it relate to everyday people. Matine is a form of a candy that came to life. But Matine could not do what other children did or people did. She couldn't cry or stay in the rain,because of the fear of melting. But when Matine did cry she became real, she became a person. This a great way to get kids to see that expressing your feelings is what makes you human and real.

A story about a baker and his wife who have been longing for a child. One night the baker makes a marzipan cookie to look like the daughter he has always dreamed about. That night she magically comes to life, but she isn't a normal little girl. Matine, is sugar coated like a cookie. In fear of her melting away she is not to play in the sun, in the rain, and she must cry. When her best friend goes missing her parents tell her that he is at his Uncle's house far away, but he is really very ill show more at his home. Her parents don't want to tell her the truth in fear that she will cry and melt away. When the truth comes to the surface Matine rushes to her friends bed side. As she cries over him, she does begin to melt away. Her tears are not only healing him but underneath her candy like skin is a real little girl.

This is a magical story about a family becoming complete, friendship, and illness. A very complex book but is written in a simple way for children to better understand. The illustrations are beautiful. k-2 show less