Review: Priscilla McDoodleNut Doodle McMae Asks, "Why?" by Janet Mary Sinke

Title: Priscilla McDoodleNut Doodle McMae Asks, "Why?"

Author: Janet Mary Sinke
Illustrator: Craig Pennington

Publication Date: October 1st, 2007

Publisher: My Grandma and Me Publishers

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 48

ISBN: 0974273287

Source: The Library

Rating: 

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Janet Mary Sinke has written in wonderful storybook rhyme a delightful take rich in meaning and simple symbolism. Through the courage of one little girl, the inhabitants of one tiny moon are forever changed when Priscilla dares to ask why.

Embrace diversity. Celebrate difference.

Respect all people. Dare to ask, Why?

For each of us has the power to make a difference.

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I am generally known by many as Grandma Janet Mary, author of the Grandma Janet Mary Series.  In eight years the company has sold over 50,000 books.  Several of my books have taken national awards.  I have spoken to thousands of school children.  My message is simple, “Make your memories today for in the end, it’s all we really have.”

Now, a new and different story emerges. It is titled: Priscilla McDoodleNutDoodleMcMae Asks “Why.”  It is a delightful story with a wonderful message and although I love my grandma and grandpa books, this story is, in many ways, is my best work.  (Go to the Priscilla web page and take a peek)

My goal now is to make the Priscilla story into an animated film.  I feel strongly about the message of this story and that message is this:  embrace diversity, celebrate difference, respect all people for we are, each of us blessed with our own individual gifts. These gifts when recognized can empower us to work  together to make the world a better place.

I have often been asked, "If you could give one piece of advice, what advice would you share."  

So here it is in a nut shell.

" Look for blessngs not only in brilliant rays of summer sun but also in clouds of storm.  Recognize your own individual worth, share your own unique gifts and put to use the power that lies within your own individual soul.  That way in your own moment of final surrender when the eyes are closing and the heart is stilled, your spirit will look back and say,' WHAT A GREAT LIFE!'"

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Why in this book

are some pictures all gray? 

Why does Priscilla seem fearful today?

Why does she cover the hair on her head?

Why you may ask does King Norman love red?

And...

 Why does King Wynthor like hair that is blue?

Why does he think he’s much better than you?

Why should the fate of this one, tiny moon

Depend on Priscilla and one blue baboon?

Now enter the story.  The answers are there.

Just open your minds to all colors of hair.

Then learn in the end how one moon in the sky

Discovers the answer to one simple Why.

Have you heard of this book?! I love it! The last library I worked at had this book and I fell in love. I've been searching for a copy to add to my current library, but I believe it just went out of publishing.  This would be a great read for National Poetry Month or teaching diversity!

With the message of equality, Priscilla McDoodleNut Doodle McMae Asks, "Why?" takes place on a far away moon where there is a conflict between two Kings as to which hair color is acceptable. As a line is drawn in the sand, the people are divided between red and blue. However, Priscilla McDoodleNut Doodle McMae uncovers her head to reveal that she has purple hair, sending the two Kings into an uproar. But Priscilla's courage (thanks to a blue baboon) and open heart just might make a real difference.

The book is written in rhyme and at times a bit of a tongue twister. But it is a lot of fun to read, and children will enjoy the liveliness of the rhythm. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. Craig Pennington brought the story to life with his flawless use of grayscale and pops of color. The contrast and the exaggerated character features really tied the silly, but powerful, lyrics into unity in such a way, that all the many elements of this story mixed together are what make it strong. 

I sincerely hope that this book goes back into print, because it is a great piece to have in any type of library. The message of acceptance and courage brings to light some very real and relevant issues the world faces today. One of the wonderful things is it isn't pushy or preachy or even condescending. It's pure, light hearted, and in a way, curious. It shows that opening a heart to accepting differences, even when those around you are not, and finding courage within yourself to stand for what you believe in can truly make the world a better place...and it only take one voice.

Love love love this book!