READ TO ME: Not Quite Snow White, but she’s still alright

Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin, illustrated by Ebony Glenn (Harper, 2019), 4-8 years, 32 pages, $17.99. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/CELIA STOREY)
Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin, illustrated by Ebony Glenn (Harper, 2019), 4-8 years, 32 pages, $17.99. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/CELIA STOREY)

TITLE: Not Quite Snow White

BY: Ashley Franklin, illustrated by Ebony Glenn (Harper, 2019), 4-8 years, 32 pages, $17.99.

STORY: Cute as the button of a nose on her pretty little face, Tameika loves singing, dancing and acting. She performs for sheer joy and has starred on stage as a cucumber, a space cowgirl, a dinosaur and a mermaid. She's never had the chance to play a princess, though. So when Mulberry Primary School announces auditions for Snow White, The Musical, she's first in line.

Afterward, she hears children gossiping about her. They say she's not right to play Snow White, and not only because her skin is too brown. She's too tall and too — gasp! — chubby.

Dejected, she doubts herself. Her family notices. Mom and Dad reassure her that she is, too, good enough. Dad's argument — which is decisive — reminds her that Snow White is just pretend anyway.

This joyful story by an Arkansas author gives parents a chance to explain what we mean by "bullies" and why it's wrong to say mean things. No matter how carefully parents shield them, kids will hear the word "chubby" sooner or later — and worse. Better they should hear its various implications explained by a thoughtful adult than to pick it up from invidious urchins in the street.

Ebony Glenn's charming digital illustrations are somehow soft and vibrant at the same time.

Read to Me is a weekly review of short books.

ActiveStyle on 11/18/2019

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