Title: A Trip Around the Pond
Author: Jennifer Gardiner
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1-9845-7013-0
Pages: 34
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Reviewed by: Beth Adams
Pacific Book Revieiw
A Trip Around the Pond is about this little girl, Georgette, who takes a walk around a pond in search of Paris. Her Granny tells her that if she goes around the pond, she will see Paris – a bit hard to believe in Georgette’s mind; but off she goes on her adventure.
Along the way she sees so many beautiful spots where dragonflies entertain her, a butterfly kisses her, and other animals show her interesting behavior. She sees many flowers, white birch trees, and even crosses a foot-bridge with her toy choo-choo train in tow. All of these events still don’t make Georgette satisfied, as she stubbornly wants to see Paris. “Continue on,” says her Granny, and so she does.
She gets caught in a rain shower which causes her to sit it out on a bench, then comes across a cottage with a couch on the porch where she decides to take a nap. Dreaming of her grandparents and other little girl thoughts brings her to the climax of the adventure where there is a replica display of the Eiffel Tower and other Parisian icons alongside the pond. She made it – she got to see Paris!
Spectacularly illustrated by Jennifer Gardiner, who is the Granny to Georgette in real life, this book is more than a loving tribute to her granddaughter. It is a bouquet of beautiful thoughts and images to children everywhere. The storyboard of pictures accompanied by the text moving the girl’s adventure around the pond offers a world of imagination which will entertain and lull youngsters each and every time they page this quintessential children’s book.
As a reveal of the loving artist’s talent and kindness, Jennifer Gardiner has put together a book which will embellish the collection of all children’s libraries. What may be one of many adventures, A Trip Around the Pond is certainly a unique and different story, holding until the end the surprise of seeing Paris – so to speak; even though it is a miniature representation of the City of Lights. A Trip Around the Pond is sure to make an indelible impression on all children fortunate enough to read this book, as will a visit to Paris to those who grow up and see the real Eiffel Tower later in life. Until then, having a copy of A Trip Around the Pond is the next best thing to getting a passport and traveling to France.
