ChildrensPictureBook.info Review
An African Princess
By Lyra Edmonds
Illustrator: Anne Wilson
Publisher Candlewick Press
I know a little girl of mixed heritage with red hair and freckles and a mama whose ancestors came from the Caribbean, their descendants spreading to every shore. Her name is Hannah and like Lyra, the little girl of this story, maybe she too is a princess descended from an African princess.
This sweetly illustrated story of a little girl's journey to the Caribbean where she gains a true understanding of her heritage will inspire your children to ask about their heritage and instill a pride in who they are. Hannah may live in Nevada on a small ranch while Lyra lives in a tall apartment building, but both are typical little girls. They love the notion that they could be princesses.
Lyra begins to wonder about all the princess talk she has heard from her mother when she visits her Taunte May and discovers a little old lady living in a little brown house on stilts. There are no royal robes or crowns. There is no palace. Taunte May tells Lyra the story of her family and all the princesses from long ago and those now living all around the world. Her parting words to Lyra are to remember to be proud of who she is. This strengthens Lyra to dismiss playmates' taunts that she is silly to think she's a princess.
|
