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TO THE POST OFFICE WITH MAMA
Sue Farrell
Reviewed by Linda Holeman
Volume 22 Number 4
This simple little book is for the youngest book lover. It's a very rudimentary topic--a walk through a small town on a snowy day to mail a letter at the post office. The child Shea, could be male or female, and no adult face is ever visible, except on the very last page, where Mama's face is revealed in a shadow. I assume this is done to keep the focus on Shea and his/her reaction to all he/she sees and experiences. As is typical for pre-schoolers just beginning to experience the world, Shea delights in the smallest things--kicking at the snow, waving to the bus driver and at a train, listening to the motors of passing cars and trucks, playing a chasing game with Mama, and so on. Robin Baird Lewis' illustrations, rendered in markers and water-colours, are presented as modestly as the text. They remind me of old school reader illustrations but are suitable for this kind of story. The overall feel of this book, in both the narrative and the illustrations, is one of trust. The hand holding, playfulness , helping each other--all examples of physical and emotional closeness--depict a gentle, loving relationship between child and mother. Very young children will probably enjoy the familiarity and safety of the small world found in the pages of this book. Linda Holeman, a former elementary teacher, now writes full time in Winnipeg, Manitoba
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