Review
I had been eagerly anticipating reading this with my daughter since we will soon be visiting Hanalei (which closely resembles Puff's Honalee). I suppose it's a decent enough picture book adaptation of the song. A few gripes though....First, the text tampers with the song slightly by inserting a PC 'girl' into the mix. That just annoys me and I have a daughter! Next, the illustrations continue beyond the lyrics and provide a happy ending that doesn't really exist in the song. I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, it's supposed to be a wistful song about the joy and pain of growing up. And the overly cutesy illustrations didn't really evoke any emotion for me. But then again, I know a lot of parents are uncomfortable sharing books that deal with sadness in an overt way and will appreciate the more cheerful sentiments expressed here. It was likely a smart move by the publishers and will ultimately sell more books. I can't help but be really disappointed and imagine how it could have been....
**ETA:
I did appreciate the messages from singer Peter Yarrow and songwriter Lenny Lipton at the back of the book.
Since this was a library book I did not get to listen to the CD that typically accompanies this book.
**ETA:
I did appreciate the messages from singer Peter Yarrow and songwriter Lenny Lipton at the back of the book.
Since this was a library book I did not get to listen to the CD that typically accompanies this book.
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