Title: Princess Amber
Author: Margaret Wright
Illustrations by: Kristin Close
Publisher: XlibrisAU
ISBN: 978-1-5245-1965-0
Pages: 24
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Reviewed by: Barbara Miller
Pacific Book Review
What starts out as a charming happy rhyming book with fanciful characters of a princess with her royal family, author Margaret Wright brought a tear to my eye with her ending of which I was certainly not expecting. Then, as an epilog to the book there is an “About the Author” comment which reveals how Margaret Wright has committed her life to the education, caring and helping children of special needs, while gaining her professional credentials. Also mentioned is the observation that many of these children are so overcome with physical ailments and medical procedures that going to school is a relief from their demanding schedule of medical intervention.
Within this impactful story titled Princess Amber, the galley text is done in a handwritten typestyle with an iambic foot full of clever rhymes. The artful illustrations by Kristin Close add to the charm of a little girl turning 5 years old and starting school for her first day – in her carriage which looks very beautiful. The story also captivates children’s imaginations with the animals she has, her palace in which she lives, the voyages around her kingdom, playing, dancing and throughout many exciting aspects of being a princess. As Wright’s very crafted use of wordsmithing enables the story to flow with a lulling poetic beat, Princess Amber will no doubt carry children’s thoughts to faraway places.
Without wanting to be a “spoiler,” but to provide a comprehensive analysis of this story, this book also prepares children to understand death. It is nothing to be afraid of, as people they may have known will be there waiting and the palace of the kingdom of God is beautiful and welcoming. Yes, sad to those left behind, but kind to the person not having the ventilation breathing apparatus, tubes, pain and discomfort of medical procedures, as the road to heaven is paved with love and kindness.
So as Amber embarks on her journey, the story gently ends – hence the tear in my eye as mentioned earlier. A book slightly different from the childish, silly stories, which fill the genre, Princess Amber has its place as a well-crafted and important lesson for most every child to be exposed to. Especially if he or she is experiencing challenging health issues, or someone close to them in their family is sick and dying. The kindness, creativity and illustrations of this book synergistically provide a not-so-subtle lesson to help explain to children just what life is all about. Just be sure to have a box of tissues nearby.
