Skip to content

Month: April 2021

Her Cup Of Tea

Published by Frances Denny on April 27, 2021

BY LAVINA SERRAO

After reading this short story, I spent the next couple of days thinking through its underlying messages. I love short stories that leave the reader to figure out what they’re really saying. I came to the conclusion that this story is about solitude and the satisfaction of being alone and happy.

The story is about a woman who is being stalked by someone who she cannot see but of whom she feels the presence. However, she knows him (from work) when she sees him at a café, and she confronts him. The two become friends. The ending has a twist. 

The sun – Mr Sun – is the only character the main character acknowledges and talks to, besides her stalker. The effect gives an extra layer to the main character and captures her comfort in solitude. The ending, which I don’t want to spoil, indicates that the stranger might represent the absence of the sun. 

The only thing I didn’t think worked was the over-use of repetition. It sometimes detract from the mood and tension. Otherwise, the story is well-paced. If you like abstract short stories, I would recommend this. 

1 Comment

Shadow and Friends’ Costume Party

Published by Frances Denny on April 11, 2021

Mary L. Schmidt, S. Jackson and A. Raymond

I was gifted Shadow and Friends’ Costume Party by the author, Mary L. Schmidt in exchange for an honest review. Although I’m an adult and this is a children’s book, I ended up buying it because I loved the illustrations so much. They’re quirky and the scrapbook style reminds me of the Spot What books. 

The story is about a squirrel named Digger who invites everyone to a costume party. I do wonder why the title is Called Shadow and Friends’ Costume Party and not Digger and Friends’ Costume Party. However, the writing is so tight and flows effortlessly, I find the issue with the title not a deal breaker. 

One of the highlights is when the narrator asks the reader if they know what the word “perplexed” means, and proceeds to give the definition. Making the reader an active character is a good way to keep children’s focus. Plus it teaches the child a new and complex word that they can boast about at school, and possibly earn extra points with their teachers.

Another thing I appreciate in this book is the inclusion of characters that are typically considered evil. For instance, Troll and Fox, who the other characters are at first wary of, turn out to be friendly. This teaches children acceptance and encourages them to take the time to understand others regardless of what they look like or how they seem to be.

To conclude, this is a delightful read and a perfect Storytime book. I would definitely recommend it to parents and family members with children who are avid readers and/or like being read to.

4 Comments