Review: 'The Dragonfly Secret' by Clea and John Adams
The Dragonfly Secret: A Story of Boundless LoveBy Clea and John Adams
Illustrated by Barbara L. Gibson
ISBN-10: 1934066133
ISBN-13: 978-1934066133
Hardcover, 32 pages
October 1, 2008
Feather Rock Books, Inc.
Reviewed by Sabrina Williams
In 2007, John Adams brought us the award-winning picture book The Dragonfly Door, a tool to aid children in coping with loss and change. It introduced us to two friends: Lea and Nym. When Lea transformed into a beautiful dragonfly and entered an unfamiliar world, Nym had to deal with the loss of a loved one and the accompanying sense of separation. She learned a valuable lesson about life cycles.
In October of 2008, John Adams, with the help of Clea Adams and illustrator Barbara L. Gibson, presents the companion to The Dragonfly Door. The Dragonfly Secret continues Lea's story as a beautiful dragonfly. As she plays in a garden one day, a boy appears with a puzzle for her to solve. He gives her instructions that will lead to a discovery and reveal a secret. The boy has been kind to her, sharing stories and playing games, so Lea is eager to solve the puzzle.
Soon after her encounter with the boy, an old couple appears. They know the secret, and provide Lea with the second step to learning the truth. In following the instructions, she is helping the boy deliver a message. When Lea finally discovers the secret, she also finds out she plays a special role.
The Dragonfly Secret is a heartwarming story of love and remembrance. It provides a degree of reassurance to children that loved ones exist in some form after they've passed. It is also an altruistic tale of friendship. The dialogue is carefully scripted and flows at a nice, even pace.
The message is deepened by Gibson's exquisite watercolor illustrations. Her nature scenes are colorful, vivid, and detailed with a soft quality that complements the sensitive storyline perfectly. The reader will want to step right into that peaceful garden. Though Lea communicates with humans, her image is realistic and not a caricature of an insect.
Whether used as a coping aid or read for pleasure, The Dragonfly Secret is a wonderful tool for parents and teachers to have on hand. It approaches a delicate topic with sensitivity and care, guiding children through difficult times. The authors have a talent for storytelling and can relate well to a child's perspective. The Dragonfly Secret would make a wonderful gift for a child facing loss in any form.
In October of 2008, John Adams, with the help of Clea Adams and illustrator Barbara L. Gibson, presents the companion to The Dragonfly Door. The Dragonfly Secret continues Lea's story as a beautiful dragonfly. As she plays in a garden one day, a boy appears with a puzzle for her to solve. He gives her instructions that will lead to a discovery and reveal a secret. The boy has been kind to her, sharing stories and playing games, so Lea is eager to solve the puzzle.
Soon after her encounter with the boy, an old couple appears. They know the secret, and provide Lea with the second step to learning the truth. In following the instructions, she is helping the boy deliver a message. When Lea finally discovers the secret, she also finds out she plays a special role.
The Dragonfly Secret is a heartwarming story of love and remembrance. It provides a degree of reassurance to children that loved ones exist in some form after they've passed. It is also an altruistic tale of friendship. The dialogue is carefully scripted and flows at a nice, even pace.
The message is deepened by Gibson's exquisite watercolor illustrations. Her nature scenes are colorful, vivid, and detailed with a soft quality that complements the sensitive storyline perfectly. The reader will want to step right into that peaceful garden. Though Lea communicates with humans, her image is realistic and not a caricature of an insect.
Whether used as a coping aid or read for pleasure, The Dragonfly Secret is a wonderful tool for parents and teachers to have on hand. It approaches a delicate topic with sensitivity and care, guiding children through difficult times. The authors have a talent for storytelling and can relate well to a child's perspective. The Dragonfly Secret would make a wonderful gift for a child facing loss in any form.
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2 comments:
This is such a hard topic for adults to talk over with kids. I found I was better as time went on. Books like this are really needed for mothers like me!
I agree. Parents need all the help they can get! We reviewed both of these books at times when my children weren't dealing with any kind of loss, but they enjoyed them very much all the same. I love the illustrations.
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