'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Monday 21 October 2013

Children's Week: My Favourite Book: Pearlie in Paris

We're celebrating Children's Week with a series of reviews, articles and interviews by or with kids! To see all our Children's Week posts, click here.

What is this story about?
It’s about a fairy from Jubilee Park in Australia who goes to visit her friend Fifi who lives in Paris, France. Fifi makes amazing clothes with flower petals.

Who are the main characters?
Pearlie and Fifi, who are both fairys, and Percy the snail.

What problems or challenges do these characters face?
Fifi is having a fashion show and overnight Percy the snail slides into Fifi’s house and eats all her fashion gowns. Fifi is sad because all her gowns are destroyed.

What is the climax of the story, when things get most exciting?
Pearlie solved the problem of the chewed gowns by finding Percy and she tells him he has to apologise to Fifi. Then Pearlie shared her own clothes with Fifi, which are made out of Australian wildflowers — wattle, kangeroo paw and lily pilly. They use them for the fashion show, which is a great success.

Were there any shocks, twists, turns or surprises?
The ruined dresses was upsetting.

Can you describe the illustrations?
The pictures are bright and pretty

What do you like about the illustrations?
I like all the different styles of dresses, they’re soooo pretty.

What was your favourite part in this book?
I like the end of the fashion parade when Fifi and Pearlie take a bow and the crowd cheers.

Is there anything you don’t like about this book?
Definitely the ruined dresses

Did you learn anything new from this story?
I learn’t some French words like 'Tout de suite' which means 'at once' and 'excuse moi' which means 'excuse me'.

This review brought to you by Olivia, age 7, NSW

Title: Pearlie in Paris
Author: Wendy Harmer
Illustrator: Gypsy Taylor
Publisher: Random House, $9.95 RRP
Publication Date: 2011
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781741663808
For ages: 6+
Type: Junior Fiction