Welcome to another edition of Nonna’s Corner where I share books I’ve read with my grandchildren, affectionately referred to as the “Royals,” here at Caffeinated. Today we have Don’t Drink the Pink written by B.C.R. Fegan and illustrated by Lenny Wen. This book made me cry and has become a favorite read this summer. Grab an iced mocha and enjoy!
by B.C.R. Fegan
Illustrator: Lenny Wen
Genres: Childrens
Pages: 40
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Follow the special relationship between Madeline and her Grandfather as they both grow and share in the most magical birthday experiences. Filled with secrets to uncover and brimming with imagination, Don't Drink the Pink explores a number of basic concepts including colors, numbers and the reality of growing older.
Don’t Drink the Pink written by B.C.R. Fegan and illustrated by Lenny Wen has become a favorite with Princess Sophia, in fact I think she can repeat the pages from memory we’ve read them so often.
The story shares the special relationship between Madeline and her grandpa. Each year on her birthday he allows her to drink a special potion or brew that provides unique consequences such as breathing-fire, turning invisible and more. Each year Grandpa says,
“Happy birthday, Madeline,”
he said with a wink.
“Take a potion, take a brew.
Just don’t drink the pink.”
The story not only offers delightful magical moments as it teaches colors, it also shares the bonds of family, of growing older, illness and touches on saying goodbye to someone you love.
The colorfully illustrations take us through Madeline’s birthdays as she chooses a different potion and the results. The colorful illustrations aided our imagination bringing forth joyful laughter. The repetition of the words in the story allowed our granddaughter to become involved in the story and before long she would call them out with Madeline’s grandfather.
On our first read through when we got to the pink, I had to hold back tears but Princess Sophia seemed unphased. As she is only four, I assumed she didn’t fully understand what had happened to Grandpa. On our one hundredth read through I got my answer. Princess Sophia said, “Her Grandpa passed away like when you and Gee-Gee passed away.” When I asked what she meant, she said, “When you went on vacation to the beach and I missed you.” It gave me a moment to touch lightly on the subject of death, using her thoughts and explaining it a bit further without pushing. This is a good story to help transition a child with elderly or ill family members with whom they have close bonds especially those between the ages of four and eight years of age.
- Age Range: 3 – 8 years
- Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Crystal @ Lost in Storyland
This sounds like a cute, magical read with great opportunities to teach children! It’s cute how Princess Sophia made the connection to your vacation!
Tyler H. Jolley
This is a very cute book. I love one of the consequences is making them invisible. That’s so fun. I hope you’re well, Kimba.
Laura Thomas
Wonderful review for a special story, Kimberly. I loved this one too!
Ailyn Koay
Awww. That spoiler is so sad! I don’t think I saw this in my library. Maybe I’ll have to ask for it
Mary Kirkland
Aww how sweet Sophia is. What a good sounding book.
sherry fundin
what a sweet review. thanks so much sharing
Melliane
this one looks nice!
Ethan
The illustrations look incredible!
Jenea's Book Obsession
This sounds like such a fun read!
kindlemom1
This sounds adorable and I love that cover, so cute!