Book Review of Piper and Purpa Forever!
The Children’s Book Review
Piper and Purpa Forever!
Written by Susan Lendroth
Illustrated by Olivia Feng
Ages 4-8 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Yehoo Press | ISBN: 9781953458292
What to expect: Feelings, lovies, favorite toys and clothes
A sweet and relatable story, Piper and Purpa Forever! is sure to become a favorite for any child who remembers or is actively attached to their favorite lovey.
Piper has the best sweater in the world – it’s purple and warm and comfortable. It looks great and feels great, and it came in the big box of hand-me-downs from her cousin. There is no occasion that Piper can’t wear Purpa to – from the park to Halloween as part of a costume (three years running). Purpa is absolutely perfect.
But, as life usually happens, things begin to change. Purpa no longer comes down past Piper’s knees. In fact, it no longer even covers her belly button. And soon she can’t even fit her head through without hurting herself! What is she going to do?
Her family has all sorts of ideas. Knit a hat from the yarn? Use it to wash the car? Give it away at the rummage sale? No, no, no! Piper can’t bear the thought of losing Purpa, her most favorite lovey in the whole world. Then her Dad brings home a new friend. A stuffed koala, that just happens to be the same size Piper was when she first got Purpa. With sudden inspiration, Piper decides to put Purpa on her new koala and name them both, collectively, Purpa.
As this writer has reconstituted lovies for her own children in various forms, this wonderful book puts a positive spin on growing up and having to make necessary changes to things that our children love the most. Piper is adorable and instantly engages readers. Olivia Feng’s illustrations of charming Piper are hilarious and heartfelt. Readers can instantly see her emotions and the explosive energy she has throughout the book.
Author Susan Lendroth’s sweet story and soothing prose help young readers through a difficult subject with a positive light at the end of the journey. She brings delightful Piper to life with very realistic and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny moments.
Piper and Purpa Forever! is a wonderful addition to a child’s library and a great book to start a hard conversation.
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About the Author
Susan Lendroth’s picture books range from science to history to children finding their place in the world—because Susan loves science and history and is still finding her place in the world! She works for the Los Angeles Public Library and devotes her spare time to a needy cat named Kitten. Her daughter’s childhood love of the color purple inspired this book.
About the Illustrator
Olivia Feng is an artist and illustrator who is inspired by the unique way that children view the world. She loves nature and animals and lives with a cat and three dogs.
Piper and Purpa Forever! was reviewed by Denise Mealy. Discover more books like Piper and Purpa Forever! by following our reviews and articles tagged with Books About Change, Books About Toys, Clothes and Fashion, Growing Up, and Picture Book.
