Blueberry Girl by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Charles Vess
In cadence and intent, this book reminds me of the the Irish prayer for a child which begins, “God keep my jewel this day from danger,/From tinker and pooka and black-hearted stranger…”
Neil Gaiman’s lyrical and incantatory prayer in verse addresses not God but rather the Three Fates (“ladies of grace, ladies of favor, ladies of merciful night”) and in addition to petitioning for protection, it also asks for courage, wisdom, big dreams and adventures. The illustrations by Charles Vess are pure genius, and remind me of a frolicsome Arthur Rackham. I predict this book will be one of the over-and-over choices at bedtime, and other times too — one that parents will not weary of.
In addition to ordering this book for my four-year-old granddaughter, I am also thinking that, with a check tucked inside, it would make a beguiling high school graduation gift for another, bigger Blueberry Girl. I never, ever liked the stupefacient tale of Sleeping Beauty, so I particularly appreciate this wish for an adolescent girl, “Keep her from spindles and sleeps at sixteen/Let her stay waking and wise.”
Neil Gaiman, recipient of the 2009 Newbury Medal, is also the creator of Coraline. Listen to him read Blueberry Girl, and get a peek at the illustrations in this clip. Like it? Or not?
Tags: blueberry girl, coraline, graduation gift, irish prayer, neil gaiman, pooka, sleeping beauty
I’ve been a therapist working with women for 30 years, and just returned home from a session with a client who was examining her 58 years of unrelenting self-criticism and low self-esteem, and her inability to find a relationship to prayer. How perfect then to listen to Blueberry Girl! It struck such a chord with me as a prayer for all ages: 4, 16, 58! Thank you for putting it on my radar screen.– Nancy R.
I must admit the comment about a gift for a high school graduate seemed a bit far fetched, but after listening to Bluberry Girl I definitely agree.
The writing is charming and encouraging and the illustrations are fantastic and beautiful…it would be a great present for a high school graduate, or any one needing a bit of encouragement and support.
Wow, wow, wow. Blueberry Girl. On a day when doubt was again in the air, the vision of the girl in all of us reminded me of THE story. Call it women who run with the wolves or Pippi Longstocking, she’s in there waiting to come out and soar. This will be recommended to my school library and will definitely be in the hands of my daughter as soon as I can buy it. I’m going to buy extras to give to any woman who needs a reminder. Thanks!
Sally – a welcoming comment – so glad to see you are blogging and my colleagues and I will have a “go to” place for communications about the very important work we are doing at all girls schools. I will be checking in here on a regular basis – it’s good to stay connected. Thanks for all your hard work!
THANK YOU for introducing me to one of my new favorite gifts for girls I know! I liked listening to the author read the book but I think listening to one’s mother (or father) read it to her would be even better. It is just the encouragement, beauty, and spirit that girls — and women — need. I might get it for myself!
I loved this book, so I ordered a few for presents for girls.
They are as interesting in person as they seem on the reading. The lightness of touch, yet clear intent of support and care is something I hope my recipients catch as well. I know they will like the check that goes with them!
I have to rave about the illustrations again as they are just wonderful on there own, yet in harmony with the whole thing. Thanks Sal!
That the book is a really good content. As soon as we receive and read. Thank you for sharing with us.
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