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Junonia
Returning to the beach cottagea cottage named Scallopwhere she has always celebrated her birthday is a special occasion for Alice Rice.
Who will see the first dolphin this time? The first pelican? What will have changed? Stayed the same? And will this be the year she finally finds a junonia shell?
Alice's friends are all returning, too. And she's certain her parents have the best party planned for her. Alice can't wait. If Alice is lucky, everything will be absolutely perfect. Will Alice be lucky?
Paperback
First published May 24, 2011
About the author
Kevin Henkes
148 books1,244 followersKevin Henkes is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. As an illustrator he won the Caldecott Medal for Kitten's First Full Moon (2004). Two of his books were Newbery Medal Honor Books, Olive's Ocean in 2004 and The Year of Billy Miller in 2014. His picture book Waiting was named both a 2016 Caldecott Honor Book and a Geisel Honor Book. It was only the second time any author has won that combination of awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 501 reviews
April 20, 2011
I loved this. Another Goodreads reviewer compared it to Mrs. Dalloway, and God help me, she's right. Nothing HAPPENS -- the book is all about the emotions and tiny changes in our female protagonist's head -- but it's so real and so touching and so momentous despite being writ so small. And I love the art. I do worry that this very short novel (I would say novella but after reading that Eudora Welty hated the word novella, I try not to say novella b/c what if I accidentally insult some novelist who hates the word novella? GAH) will have a hard time finding an audience. My own very-much-in-her-head 9-year-old will love it, I think, but the fact that there's no big sweeping external drama and there's really only one kid in the book (the 10-year-old narrator -- OK, there's also an unlikeable, uncute 5-year-old) may turn a lot of young readers off. I think only kids who ruminate a lot will want to read this, but I don't think a kid under 8 will GET it, and will older kids want to read about a younger one? That's a small window of readership. That said, maybe it's a selling point that the book is completely not scary? I know a lot of kids who get stressed out by suspense and adventure, and the fact that this is so quiet may be appealing to them. I hope so. It's really lovely.
June 29, 2011
Other readers seemed to have the same reactions to this that I did. The story is slow, and more or less an internal story about a nice kid who is growing up. Nothing incredibly dramatic happens. At least, not in terms of your average kids' novel. Nobody is forced to live in a broom closet by their stingy, jerky relatives. Nobody time travels. Nobody is riding cross country via dragon. The dramatic things that happen are pretty simple: a summer vacation doesn't turn out as a young girl hopes it will.
It's simple, though, in the way that potato-leek soup is simple: leeks, potatoes, salt, butter, and water. It's what you do with the elements that make it a success. Kevin Henkes writes the passage of time so beautifully, so artfully. (See the picture book "Old Bear" -- if it doesn't make you tear up a little, you're probably not old enough yet.) Every single character in the book is at a different stage in their lives. The comfortable, confident early middle aged parents. The relaxed just retirees. The railing octogenarian who is not cool with how things have turned out. The 6 year old who doesn't understand how to curb or harness her feelings. And then Alice, the heroine of the book, who just wants a really perfect 10th birthday. And starts becoming an adult when she realizes that she's probably not going to get one. Alice has begun the climb into adult understanding through the snatches, scenes and moments in this book. It's really stunning.
But what kid do you give this to? I'm guessing the same kid who loves "The Secret Garden". It has to be a kid whose taste you know well, whose patience is clear. And who will look back and remember it one day as a really pretty book she read once, that was sort of about seashells and growing up.
It's simple, though, in the way that potato-leek soup is simple: leeks, potatoes, salt, butter, and water. It's what you do with the elements that make it a success. Kevin Henkes writes the passage of time so beautifully, so artfully. (See the picture book "Old Bear" -- if it doesn't make you tear up a little, you're probably not old enough yet.) Every single character in the book is at a different stage in their lives. The comfortable, confident early middle aged parents. The relaxed just retirees. The railing octogenarian who is not cool with how things have turned out. The 6 year old who doesn't understand how to curb or harness her feelings. And then Alice, the heroine of the book, who just wants a really perfect 10th birthday. And starts becoming an adult when she realizes that she's probably not going to get one. Alice has begun the climb into adult understanding through the snatches, scenes and moments in this book. It's really stunning.
But what kid do you give this to? I'm guessing the same kid who loves "The Secret Garden". It has to be a kid whose taste you know well, whose patience is clear. And who will look back and remember it one day as a really pretty book she read once, that was sort of about seashells and growing up.
May 19, 2024
Not much happens in this book, but, like many of Henkes' books, that doesn't mean that the characters are staid and trite.
Alice Rice is on vacation for the summer in Florida. She is about to turn ten and celebrating with her are the people she sees every summer. But, just like going into double digits in age, this summer offers many changes. The regular people she sees every summer are suddenly growing up and busy with other things to do.
This is a quiet story about being young and trying to navigate the world of adults and of trying to understand what it means to leave behind the frivolities of youth. What Henkes does here is create a memorable character that doesn't feel like a stereotype. In fact, Alice feels amazingly genuine and this book is one that is for a very specific child: one that is contemplative and finds solace in small moments.
Alice Rice is on vacation for the summer in Florida. She is about to turn ten and celebrating with her are the people she sees every summer. But, just like going into double digits in age, this summer offers many changes. The regular people she sees every summer are suddenly growing up and busy with other things to do.
This is a quiet story about being young and trying to navigate the world of adults and of trying to understand what it means to leave behind the frivolities of youth. What Henkes does here is create a memorable character that doesn't feel like a stereotype. In fact, Alice feels amazingly genuine and this book is one that is for a very specific child: one that is contemplative and finds solace in small moments.
August 29, 2011
To be honest this book was bland and insipid and uninspiring, right up to the last page. 9 year old Alice goes with her parents on a holiday that she hopes will be perfect, because while she is there she will celebrate her 10th birthday. But right from the start there is a fatalistic shadow over the whole story which sends a message that things will never be as good as you want them to be, and that is something you just have to accept about life… it’s the best you can do.
There is a very small amount of learning to come out of oneself and think of others when Alice tries to befriend Mallory, a 6 year old who is sad and contrary because she is trying to deal with her parents’ divorce. But their ‘friendship’ goes up and down, and the best you can say is that the book leaves us when their friendship is on a slight up. There is also a tiny bit on forgiveness, but I felt it was cancelled out by other bland and fatalistic episodes. With the whole divorce scenario and the negative impact it has on Mallory, the book basically leaves you thinking that you just have to accept that unhappiness is a part of life. I agree that unhappiness is a part of life, but the only way to accept it is to learn to value the other things that give life meaning, and this aspect is never developed in Junonia.
Instead, it offers a false and confused view of life and happiness that is best exemplified in the last paragraph of the book:
There is a very small amount of learning to come out of oneself and think of others when Alice tries to befriend Mallory, a 6 year old who is sad and contrary because she is trying to deal with her parents’ divorce. But their ‘friendship’ goes up and down, and the best you can say is that the book leaves us when their friendship is on a slight up. There is also a tiny bit on forgiveness, but I felt it was cancelled out by other bland and fatalistic episodes. With the whole divorce scenario and the negative impact it has on Mallory, the book basically leaves you thinking that you just have to accept that unhappiness is a part of life. I agree that unhappiness is a part of life, but the only way to accept it is to learn to value the other things that give life meaning, and this aspect is never developed in Junonia.
Instead, it offers a false and confused view of life and happiness that is best exemplified in the last paragraph of the book:
When they were driving on the bridge to the mainland, Alice felt the first stirrings of unpleasantness in the pit of her belly. The same feeling she’d experienced on her arrival. But as soon as the feeling rose up, it stopped. Suddenly she felt as if she were the centre of everything, like the sun. She was thinking: Here I am. I have my parents. We’re alone together. I will never be old. I will never die. It’s right now. I’m ten.”Huh?
February 12, 2017
Alice and her parents always spend the week of her birthday at Sanibel Island with the same group of people. But this year some people are missing and new, unexpected people have arrived. All the changes to their usual week on Sanibal leave Alice feeling unsettled. She wants her tenth birthday to be special and she wants to find a rare Junonia shell to mark her special birthday.
A nice, subtle story about changing, growing up and how life does not always go the way we hope but that does not necessarily make it bad.
A nice, subtle story about changing, growing up and how life does not always go the way we hope but that does not necessarily make it bad.
October 4, 2017
When you turn 10, you're ready to learn to cope with disappointment, to withhold judgement, to exercise empathy and compassion, and to celebrate your newer, more mature outlook on life. Iow, lots of lessons here. But none are actually taught: Henkes' genius is that he's subtle, and lets the reader watch the events unfold. Neither the reader, nor Alice, actually realizes that the events are learning opportunities; they just become wiser.
June 2, 2025
Beautiful story about the stresses of a 10 year old on vacation. I loved the lightness of the summer beach vacation alongside all the depth of emotion everything was causing.
August 11, 2011
OK to Good choice for Mock Newbery.
Absolutely beautiful insight into the emotional experiences of children. Once again, Henkes presents adults and children in a realistic narrative of their lives, this time centered around the birthday of Alice, who is turning 10. There is so much honesty and insight in this story about the natural self-centeredness of children, about development and developing self awareness, about the impact of parenting, and of how adults relate to children depending on relationship and their own stage in the aging process. The coming and going of emotional states is metaphorically portrayed in the naturally changing setting: the oceanside. The lapping of the waves, the deposit of natural treasures on the shoreline, the subtle waming and cooling breezes lace the story harmoniously as symbols of ever changing landscape of human feelings.
Like other novels by Henkes, this one may be more appreciated by adults than children. Excellent discussion about what is means to grow-up could spring from this book. Possible support for ocean study (seashells).
Absolutely beautiful insight into the emotional experiences of children. Once again, Henkes presents adults and children in a realistic narrative of their lives, this time centered around the birthday of Alice, who is turning 10. There is so much honesty and insight in this story about the natural self-centeredness of children, about development and developing self awareness, about the impact of parenting, and of how adults relate to children depending on relationship and their own stage in the aging process. The coming and going of emotional states is metaphorically portrayed in the naturally changing setting: the oceanside. The lapping of the waves, the deposit of natural treasures on the shoreline, the subtle waming and cooling breezes lace the story harmoniously as symbols of ever changing landscape of human feelings.
Like other novels by Henkes, this one may be more appreciated by adults than children. Excellent discussion about what is means to grow-up could spring from this book. Possible support for ocean study (seashells).
March 31, 2011
After reading this book, I was struck by its similarity in tone with Mrs. Dalloway. The subject matter is different, but Alice's introspection makes this book worth reading. Although it seems like not a lot is happening, the book is all about Alice and how she changes internally, day by day. Her thoughts about jealousy, change, and family are similar to ones that ran through my head when I was younger, and sometimes now.
A previous reviewer noted that the market for this book may be slim, and unfortunately I agree. I'm hoping that 11-12's will be attracted to a book with a 10-year-old narrator, because even though she is younger, her thoughts are well-developed and easy to empathize with.
A previous reviewer noted that the market for this book may be slim, and unfortunately I agree. I'm hoping that 11-12's will be attracted to a book with a 10-year-old narrator, because even though she is younger, her thoughts are well-developed and easy to empathize with.
February 20, 2011
Well written, vivid imagery, quiet and entirely character driven. So sensitive. A beautiful read for an introverted 8-10 year old.
May 11, 2022
Kevin Henkes is a major winner in this house. A lovely read-aloud for Midwestern families who love beach combing, Sanibel Island and the swirling emotions around growing up: that’s us. My 9-year old has all the heart eyes.
August 11, 2024
Loved rereading a childhood favourite after so many years! So nostalgic 😚
June 10, 2011
Alice is an only child, in fact she is the child of two parents who are also only children. I think this is important to note, because this story of her week long vacation in Florida with her parents could serve as a cautionary tale regarding only children. I found Alice to be self-centered, coddled by her parents, and not very understanding towards younger or older people. She isn't a mean character, she's just overly sensitive and rigid, and hasn't had to deal with disappointment or accommodate to any change. What I found disappointing about the story is that Alice doesn't come to any greater understanding at the end. She gains a little insight, but it seems insignificant. Perhaps it is just realistic, I mean, how often do people really have grand revelations about who they are and what their place in the world is? Alice comes close, but I kept wishing her parents, or other adult characters, would step in and guide her more... I do think some children will like reading this book because it is realistic and short, and I think it would be a good read-aloud because it has lots of opportunities for "teachable moments."
September 25, 2011
I was stunned to read the reviews speaking to Alice's supposed 'selfish' desires and some kind of 'fatalistic' shadow hanging over the story - I'm sorry, but are those readers on glue? This book is one of the most amazing, patient, beautifully constructed narratives I've read in a long time. Kevin Henkes is right up there with Blume, Cleary, Patterson - he is a master of both picture books and novels. Every moment of Alice's time at the beach with her parents and the confusing relationship with Mallory is delicately constructed, from her doubt and fear to the feel and look of the light, to the temperature and feel of the air and how they affect how each experience. Alice grows and changes every moment, the final passage is so true - this book, and all of Henkes's novels, are a welcome, intelligent relief to the onslaught of sarcastic, materialistic, bratty characters and stupid stories found in a lot of other books aimed at middle grade readers. I am so grateful for this author, and this book in particular.
July 9, 2011
Perfectly written from the point of view of a child. Perfectly summery, so you should read it now! Entirely internal and character driven, so not for every child.
June 5, 2017
It's an okay book. There really isn't anything that make this book stand out from the millions books out there. It's about a girl named, Alice, going to the beach during vacation to celebrate her 10th birthday. I suppose, maybe, that's what makes the book "special" in its own way since I feel it's a diary of a regular ten year old. During Alice's vacation a lots of changes occur like old friends not making it the beach vacation houses and Aunt Kate coming with her boyfriend his daughter names Mallory.
If you ask me which character I disliked the most it will be Mallory. Goodness, I couldn't stand that little girl and was glad that she went away. I know I'm a bad person dissing a little girl like that.
If you ask me which character I disliked the most it will be Mallory. Goodness, I couldn't stand that little girl and was glad that she went away. I know I'm a bad person dissing a little girl like that.
April 27, 2021
A super quick, cute read! 3.5 stars ⭐️
I am surprised by this book. It’s a middle grade book that caused me to think abstractly! A lot of life lessons and little treasures are hidden in Alice’s story!
Alice turns 10 on Sanibel Island, where her family takes her every year for family vacation. During this time she learns to appreciate the little things, how to cope with her emotions, and that things aren’t always as they appear. Alice may be only ten years old but these are important topics at any age!
An eye opening read! Perfect for just returning from Sanibel myself!
I am surprised by this book. It’s a middle grade book that caused me to think abstractly! A lot of life lessons and little treasures are hidden in Alice’s story!
Alice turns 10 on Sanibel Island, where her family takes her every year for family vacation. During this time she learns to appreciate the little things, how to cope with her emotions, and that things aren’t always as they appear. Alice may be only ten years old but these are important topics at any age!
An eye opening read! Perfect for just returning from Sanibel myself!
August 3, 2018
Containing an array of the depth of feeling of a girl turning ten this book gently deals with the struggles Alice faces when things change from how they always are. Alice has the normal ups and downs of a 9/10 year old and normal parents. Refreshing to read this gentle story of a normal family facing the ordinary trials of life and the emotions that pass during these times. The writing was lovely and I especially like the metaphor describing the retired neighbors as like statues.
September 29, 2023
Henkes is quickly becoming one of my favorite child authors. He gives children beauty in language and is able to depict the world through their eyes so fully. He gives his characters realistic faults and follows them with grace. I also love the little quirks and details he fills them with. I read this with my 7 year old son and he loved it, learned a lot from it, and felt a depth of emotion that helped him grow. The main character has a speck on her face (a mole) which she feels self conscious of, and it helped my son connect with her due to a difference he has in one aspect of his body he was embarrassed about. It’s a little thing but made him smile.
June 24, 2018
I have this a 4 because I've been to Sanibel countless times since I was a young child, and the author does such a good job of capturing that experience of going to the island from the Midwest. Had I not been there, though, I think my ranking would have been lower based simply on story. I love the illustrations too.
January 20, 2019
I picked 5 stars because this book made me feel happy also sometimes I go to Florida for the summer with my aunt , uncle , 4 year old cousin and my 1 year old cousin and we could find the "junonias" when we go to the beach and I could make a collection of shells.
July 18, 2026
this was a good read. pretty short as well. it wasn’t unique but it explored emotions well. i liked the summer setting at the beach and the seashell hunting. i related to the mc a lot. mallory annoyed me lol. there were other good characters though. it’s a short summer read, i’d recommend!
July 16, 2025
Life dream is to find a Junonia on the beach! Loved how this took place on Sanibel. Cute story
April 23, 2020
Family chapter book read aloud time! It was perfect for my daughters 5, 7 and 9! We loved it.
January 8, 2023
this book is so beautiful is such a subtle way. i tear up when i read it
March 31, 2024
This book is a beautiful story that is warm and comforting💚
July 18, 2018
The review is entitled: Why Rereading Is, In This Case, A Good Thing
Why I Read It: I picked it up at Barnes and Noble ages ago just because it's the beach and Kevin Henkes (if you haven't checked out his picture books, featuring the fabulous Lilly, the always-lovable Chrysanthemum, and sweet, sweet Owen, I highly suggest them.) I read it again for the same reason.
In A Nutshell: Only child Alice is looking forward to returning to Sanibel Island and her beach family-the Wishmeiers and their grandchildren, the eccentric Helen Blair, her mother's college friend Kate and prehistoric Mr. Barden. But things go awry when Alice finds that her beach family won't be entirely whole, and will have a few unexpected new additions.
Pros:
-Ugh the setting!!! I'm a sucker for a beach read.
-Such a surprisingly deep book! After reading it with new eyes, its depth was really made known. I even thought that the vacation represented a life, but that may be a bit of a stretch.
-Very relatable too! It's rare for a deep-thinking book to relate to its readers, but this one did (for me at least :)) Like many families, we too have a favorite beach spot, and I love that it's kind of our own little spot. It's almost what makes it so great!
-Alice is a pretty nice character, albeit her flaws. All the characters, actually have flaws, but who doesn't? That's what makes this book so wonderfully raw and real!
-The writing!! It's so real and to-the-point, but at the same time flowery and descriptive. WHAT IS THIS WITCHCRAFT?!
Cons:
-Mallory. She's annoying. A tragic backstory doesn't fix everything. I mean, I do cut her some slack for it, but c'mon. There's a point where I draw the line. I also understand that she's six, but she's still pretty pesky. *
-Alice is whiny for a ten-year-old. If one thing doesn't go her way, it's the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine! sorry, the reference was just way too easy).*
*I know that I listed the flaws of the characters as a good thing, but I'm a very indecisive person, whether it's about how I feel or where to go out for dinner. If you can't handle that, this is not the review for you. Disregard it entirely and read someone else's.
AND THAT'S IT!! Jeez, this was a pretty short review (for me at least. I'm very talkative online. But not in person. Not at all in person.) But hey, they can't all be novels. This book is also fairly short in comparison to the other books I've used this review format with, so that probably explains it. Less book, less to judge.
Okay, I'll shut up now. Bye :)
Why I Read It: I picked it up at Barnes and Noble ages ago just because it's the beach and Kevin Henkes (if you haven't checked out his picture books, featuring the fabulous Lilly, the always-lovable Chrysanthemum, and sweet, sweet Owen, I highly suggest them.) I read it again for the same reason.
In A Nutshell: Only child Alice is looking forward to returning to Sanibel Island and her beach family-the Wishmeiers and their grandchildren, the eccentric Helen Blair, her mother's college friend Kate and prehistoric Mr. Barden. But things go awry when Alice finds that her beach family won't be entirely whole, and will have a few unexpected new additions.
Pros:
-Ugh the setting!!! I'm a sucker for a beach read.
-Such a surprisingly deep book! After reading it with new eyes, its depth was really made known. I even thought that the vacation represented a life, but that may be a bit of a stretch.
-Very relatable too! It's rare for a deep-thinking book to relate to its readers, but this one did (for me at least :)) Like many families, we too have a favorite beach spot, and I love that it's kind of our own little spot. It's almost what makes it so great!
-Alice is a pretty nice character, albeit her flaws. All the characters, actually have flaws, but who doesn't? That's what makes this book so wonderfully raw and real!
-The writing!! It's so real and to-the-point, but at the same time flowery and descriptive. WHAT IS THIS WITCHCRAFT?!
Cons:
-Mallory. She's annoying. A tragic backstory doesn't fix everything. I mean, I do cut her some slack for it, but c'mon. There's a point where I draw the line. I also understand that she's six, but she's still pretty pesky. *
-Alice is whiny for a ten-year-old. If one thing doesn't go her way, it's the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine! sorry, the reference was just way too easy).*
*I know that I listed the flaws of the characters as a good thing, but I'm a very indecisive person, whether it's about how I feel or where to go out for dinner. If you can't handle that, this is not the review for you. Disregard it entirely and read someone else's.
AND THAT'S IT!! Jeez, this was a pretty short review (for me at least. I'm very talkative online. But not in person. Not at all in person.) But hey, they can't all be novels. This book is also fairly short in comparison to the other books I've used this review format with, so that probably explains it. Less book, less to judge.
Okay, I'll shut up now. Bye :)
October 4, 2011
The world of an only child is filled with grown-ups, or at least that's the case for Alice during an annual vacation in Florida. Generally there are other kids as well, but not this year, the year she is turning 10 years old. This year, the only other kid is the problematic Mallory, the 6-year-old daughter of Alice's Aunt Kate's new boyfriend.
So Alice spends her vacation, and her birthday, having attention lavished on her by the adults around her - but also having to be mature herself when relating to the troubled Mallory, who misses her far-away mom. It's not always easy for Alice, who finds herself full of resentment and hurt when ancient Mr. Barden remarks that Mallory is the prettiest girl he ever saw. But conquering her irritation and doing the right thing turns out to have its own rewards.
This is a quiet book on the surface, but full of the heaving emotions that can boil in sensitive people of any age, often unexpectedly or even inexplicably. It feels a bit claustrophobic and intense at times; you just want Alice to be able to run along the seashore joyfully without being jostled about by currents of annoyance or sadness or disappointment or anger. And she does, actually, but never for long - for small things do seem mighty fraught in Alice's life. Perhaps it comes of being the only child of older parents and of having an aunt with no kids of her own, plus plenty of other adults in her life who spend a fair amount of their time thinking and caring about her.
The writing is beautiful and Alice's emotions are genuine and age-appropriate - but this feels like a grown-up book nonetheless. Perhaps it was sentences like this one that took me out of Alice's head and made me feel like an adult observer - "She was loose jointed, and although she felt awkward much of the time, she often appeared graceful." No kid would think about about herself or any other kid.
Thoughtful, introspective children may well feel that they've found a soul-mate in Alice, but even these kids may crave a tiny bit more action.
So Alice spends her vacation, and her birthday, having attention lavished on her by the adults around her - but also having to be mature herself when relating to the troubled Mallory, who misses her far-away mom. It's not always easy for Alice, who finds herself full of resentment and hurt when ancient Mr. Barden remarks that Mallory is the prettiest girl he ever saw. But conquering her irritation and doing the right thing turns out to have its own rewards.
This is a quiet book on the surface, but full of the heaving emotions that can boil in sensitive people of any age, often unexpectedly or even inexplicably. It feels a bit claustrophobic and intense at times; you just want Alice to be able to run along the seashore joyfully without being jostled about by currents of annoyance or sadness or disappointment or anger. And she does, actually, but never for long - for small things do seem mighty fraught in Alice's life. Perhaps it comes of being the only child of older parents and of having an aunt with no kids of her own, plus plenty of other adults in her life who spend a fair amount of their time thinking and caring about her.
The writing is beautiful and Alice's emotions are genuine and age-appropriate - but this feels like a grown-up book nonetheless. Perhaps it was sentences like this one that took me out of Alice's head and made me feel like an adult observer - "She was loose jointed, and although she felt awkward much of the time, she often appeared graceful." No kid would think about about herself or any other kid.
Thoughtful, introspective children may well feel that they've found a soul-mate in Alice, but even these kids may crave a tiny bit more action.
March 10, 2011
Junonia introduces us to nine-year-old Alice Rice at the very start of her Florida vacation with her parents Tom and Pam. Alice is an only child and she longs for a larger family. Her parents were both only children and all her four grandparents are dead. Alice considers the neighbors that she spends summers with to be her extended family – the artist Helen Blair, her mother’s college friend Kate, the “ancient Mr. Barden,” the Wishmeiers and their three grandchildren.
The summer brings Alice some disappointments – the Wishmeier grandchildren have started high school and are too busy to travel to Florida, Helen Blair is caught in a snowstorm and instead gives up her cottage. The “replacement neighbors” are Kate’s new boyfriend Ted and his daughter Mallory. Alice had been looking forward to spending alone time with Kate – so six-year-old Mallory is a let down.
Mallory is even less fun in person. She’s shy, irritating, and emotional – she misses her mother deeply. As Alice goes beyond the initial irritation and befriends Mallory, the book has magic moments.
Overall, Junonia is a heartwarming and encouraging story for young readers. I've always loved Kevin Henkes's illustrated books for children because of his mix of humor and warmth. The early books encourage both personality and kindness in children and Junonia continues this underlying sensibility. A chapter book with many enjoyable sections: searching for sea shells, walks on the beach, special late night meals, and an unforgettable tenth birthday party. Junonia is also a story that celebrates patience, friendship, and kindness – something to be enjoyed and shared.
ISBN-10: 0061964174 - Hardcover $15.99
Publisher: Greenwillow Books (May 24, 2011), 192 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
The summer brings Alice some disappointments – the Wishmeier grandchildren have started high school and are too busy to travel to Florida, Helen Blair is caught in a snowstorm and instead gives up her cottage. The “replacement neighbors” are Kate’s new boyfriend Ted and his daughter Mallory. Alice had been looking forward to spending alone time with Kate – so six-year-old Mallory is a let down.
Mallory is even less fun in person. She’s shy, irritating, and emotional – she misses her mother deeply. As Alice goes beyond the initial irritation and befriends Mallory, the book has magic moments.
Overall, Junonia is a heartwarming and encouraging story for young readers. I've always loved Kevin Henkes's illustrated books for children because of his mix of humor and warmth. The early books encourage both personality and kindness in children and Junonia continues this underlying sensibility. A chapter book with many enjoyable sections: searching for sea shells, walks on the beach, special late night meals, and an unforgettable tenth birthday party. Junonia is also a story that celebrates patience, friendship, and kindness – something to be enjoyed and shared.
ISBN-10: 0061964174 - Hardcover $15.99
Publisher: Greenwillow Books (May 24, 2011), 192 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
January 23, 2013
Star parts: I read the first few pages on Amazon. As Alice Rice crosses the bridge to Sanipel Island the story is full of promise. Will Alice find the rare junonia shell? Will she enjoy her birthday, she's turning ten and I have to admit that I too had this kind of weird pleasure of reaching an age with double digits. All these things made me want to read on, as well as elegantly framed sentences. Henkes creates very realistic characters. Alice, Mallory, the Wishmeier's, all of them had their little quirks and characteristics which made them individuals and realistic.
Black clouds: But... that promise of something special never came through. In the end I found Alice a little spoilt and got a little fed up with her. When things didn't go her way she couldn't shift her perception (which I suppose is how kids are). Things that could have given the story a little oomph such as why Mallory's mum was in France were never explained. And when the aforementioned mother calls and causes Mallory to have a meltdown, they leave and it's never explained. The junonia thread is a little disappointing too.
Do I recommend it: I hate saying no, because for every book I don't like there's an equal amount of people who love the book. Trust me I went through good reads and saw that people either loved it or hated it. But in the end this is what I really think is the problem with this book. It's a book about a kid. It's a very realistic portrait of a ten year old child from a ten year old child's point of view, but I don't think it's for kids and it's not a book I would readily recommend to kids. If you like reminiscing about childhood maybe this is the book for you, if not pass.
Black clouds: But... that promise of something special never came through. In the end I found Alice a little spoilt and got a little fed up with her. When things didn't go her way she couldn't shift her perception (which I suppose is how kids are). Things that could have given the story a little oomph such as why Mallory's mum was in France were never explained. And when the aforementioned mother calls and causes Mallory to have a meltdown, they leave and it's never explained. The junonia thread is a little disappointing too.
Do I recommend it: I hate saying no, because for every book I don't like there's an equal amount of people who love the book. Trust me I went through good reads and saw that people either loved it or hated it. But in the end this is what I really think is the problem with this book. It's a book about a kid. It's a very realistic portrait of a ten year old child from a ten year old child's point of view, but I don't think it's for kids and it's not a book I would readily recommend to kids. If you like reminiscing about childhood maybe this is the book for you, if not pass.
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