K-Gr 2-In this vapid tale, the Statue of Liberty is personified as an infant born in Paris, whose "coloring was a little on the green side." She matures and learns rapidly and is "especially kind to those who felt different or misunderstood, lonely or sad." The child soon outgrows her surroundings and travels to distant lands until she finds the perfect spot in New York harbor where she "stands with pride, continuing to grow taller and smarter-every day." The watercolor-and-ink cartoon illustrations feature a palette of greens, from the watery-looking endpapers, to Little Miss Liberty, to the washes on several of the vignettes. Depictions of the Eiffel Tower and New York's Chrysler building as well as building blocks on the cover usher in the metaphor carried throughout the story: freedom is a concept that grows with learning and understanding and spreads throughout the world. However, the youngsters for whom the story is intended will probably not be able to see beyond the literal tale of a baby who turns into a statue; conveniently finds "a pedestal of perfect size, color, and proportion"; and remains there "with pride." Exercise your freedom to pass on this story that will likely confuse more than enlighten its readers. Youngsters would learn far more by reading Allan Drummond's Liberty! (Farrar, 2002).-Marianne Saccardi, Norwalk Community College, CT Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

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