Granny Gert and the Bunion Brothers

Dotti Enderle
Pelican Publishing Company (2006)
ISBN 9781589803732
Reviewed by Shannon Bailes for Reader Views (10/06)

This is a delightful book for children that really has no meaning, but is fun.  The vernacular used throughout the book is whimsical and illustrates that style of language used by country folk.  The illustrations will keep children amused throughout the story.  The author uses words such as, “varmints,” “walloped,” and “flapjack,” which are beautiful language words that children do not often have the privilege to read in text, or may not even know what they mean.  This offers a great opportunity for learning.  The two songs included in the text are quirky and cute—something children love to read.

The plot of the story is two brothers think they find love in the same person, only to find they do not have to fight over her, there is another girl much the same as the first.  Most books have a moral, and this would be that you should put nothing before the “brotherly love” that you feel for a sibling, not even a pretty gal!

As a Director of a children’s literacy program that promotes quality children’s literature, I would recommend this to others to share with their children.  It has a quality not found in the run of the mill books that line children’s shelves today.  It would also open the door for further discussion about caring for each other, and life in another part of the country.

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