Pearl Power

My daughter was given this by Santa this year, and I have to say that I absolutely adore the illustrations and presentation (lovely size, feel and the matte high-quality paper used) far more than the actual story itself, which I had expected to love. So far this has been beaten to requests at bedtime by a Charlie&Lola set also from Santa. I should point out that my daughter is only just 4, so I hope this will be a 'grower'... and it certainly won't stop me getting the second in this series.

Nice affirming read.

Brilliant book

I borrowed this from the library in anticipation of our family moving house shortly, with our 6 year old. He reads chapter books with me, but we still enjoy picture books, and he listened attentively.I didn't read up much on this before getting it, and was surprised (happily so) to see it not only contained a story about Pearl and her mum moving house and both being nervous about the changes (new school, new high-powered job), but also contained a story about Pearl's encounter with an unpleasant boy, ostensibly a bully, in her new class.Told in rhyme, it's rhythmic and flows very well, and Pearl is a great little character, as she stands up for herself with humour and bravery. My son was not impressed with the bully, using the same line each time, just because Pearl is a 'girl', she's much smarter than him and proves herself capable.Nice to have a story about gender equality in here, I was expecting a story about moving house and the upheaval and change, but it was great to have a discussion about boys and girls, respecting both, not thinking anyone is better than anyone else.Cute illustrations too, my son didn't mind at all that it was all about a girl moving, and think he'd quite enjoy the others, if I can get hold of them - my (current) local libraries don't, but I will be looking out for them.Simple enough for younger children, but still a good lesson for my son's age, I would say ages 4-7 will get a lot from this book at home or in school.

Pearl Power is engaging and really fun to read. It is easy to read out loud and the rhymes usually hit the mark each time. The subject matter is a really important message about equality, which comes across in all the well-chosen moments Pearl deals with: scenarios which would be familiar to many girls who are told they aren't equal to boys in things like maths or sports which are somehow seen as more 'masculine' pursuits.The art is also really refreshing for a kids book, not using any pastel colours which have become so associated with kids and also gendered: the book feels mostly orange and grey to match Pearl's design, and the neutral colours help the feeling that this is a book for everyone.Even though the main character is a girl the message at the end is just as important for boys: it is not just a story trying to tell people that they are wrong for saying certain things about girls, but has a message that it is just as okay for boys to show things like sensitivity, and that they can be accepted and it's normal for them to be upset without being mocked, ultimately a message which ties the story together as a truly equal message.I think it would be a very positive story to read with any kids!

Pearl Power is a fabulous story. Bought it for my daughter's 6th birthday and she loved it. A sneaky way of reminding children of an impressionable age that boys and girls are equally awesome, without delving too heavily into the subject. An absolute must read!