Giggle Girls Book Club Book Review: “Cara and the Wizard”, by Liz Flanagan | Diapers and Daydreams

“Cara and the Wizard” from the Magic Stories book series is based on Nic Leodhas’ Irish tale “The Lass Who Went Out At The Cry of Dawn”, retold here by Liz Flanagan and beautifully illustrated by Valeria Docampo. The story follows Cara and Molly, sisters who are the best of friends. One day Molly is taken by a mean and powerful wizard and rather than give up hope, Cara decides to face the odds in an attempt to get her sister back. She meets some characters along the way and even though she is on a mission herself she still takes the time to be kind to these passersby. In return for her kindness, they dispense Cara words of advice that come in very handy to help her defy the wizard’s evil spells and retrieve her sister!

This was the first book we received with our Giggle Girls Book Club membership, and it was a really great pick for Dolly! Big, bold and vibrant colors in the illustrations kept her entranced. As a fan of Irish folklore, I enjoyed this book and appreciate its adaptation for small children and the overall messages of having courage, helping others, being kind, showing bravery when you most need to, and more. (Any book that has a female heroine get a gold star in my book – the world does not need any more damsels in distress!) The Giggle Girls Book Club sent a nice bookmark with the book. As simple as it may seem, teaching a child to read and saving their page with a bookmark makes it that much more fun for them. I can promise you that bookmark will not remain on that same page for long!

An important fact to note, this was a short “chapter” book which is a great way to transition your child from picture books to real chapter books they will be reading in the just a few years!  That’s one of the best things about the Giggle Girls Book Club’s mission – to continue to grow a child’s love of learning as they transition from picture books to chapter books, in a fun and special way!

Try a month subscription to The Giggle Girls Book Club, and I promise, you will not be disappointed! Every month, your child will receive a freshly picked book just like this great read, “Cara and the Wizard”, a game or toy and a snack!  This is a great gift for your child or as a birthday gift to one of their classmates – and don’t let the name fool you – your sons will enjoy it too! Click here to join the Giggle Girls Book Club! http://gigglegirlsbookclub.com/  Make sure to tell them Dolly sent you!

MODERN AND FUN.. A BOOK CLUB FOR THE LITTLE ONES!

Title: Silver Thimble
Series: Magic Stories
Author: Liz Flannigan
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Publisher: Barefoot Books
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Pages: 48