Sophie and the Swans: Book Giveaway
ABOUT THE BOOK
Written by Holly Peppe
Illustrated by Aeron Cargill
Ages: 3+ | 36 Pages
Publisher: Lincoln Square Books | ISBN: 978-1947187146
Publisher’s Book Summary: Sophie is a little girl who lives beside a lake and makes friends with a pair of swans who visit her every day. One day, when a bully starts to torment the swans, Sophie rushes to defend them not by attacking the bully but by showing him kindness when he gets into trouble on the lake.
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MY REVIEW
Sophie loves her home by the lake, the “magical cabin” her father built for her (a cozy looking playhouse), and the beautiful swans that she feeds every day. She has even named them - Romeo and Juliet. When she hears the swans in distress one day and runs outside to see what is wrong, she finds a boy she doesn’t know throwing rocks at the birds. Sophie immediately tells him to stop and corrects him when he calls the swans dumb. Later she meets Sam, the brother of that boy, and learns that they have recently moved to the area and that his brother Ned used to be different, but has become a bully after being teased by kids at school. Sophie befriends Sam and they feed the swans together. Ned had told Sam that the swans were dangerous, but Sophie says that isn’t true. “If you’re kind to them, they’ll remember you forever!” One evening as the new friends are out by the lake they see Ned calling for help from a stranded boat. Sam is so frustrated with his brother he suggests leaving him out there on the lake. “Serves him right,” he says. Although Sophie sympathizes with Sam, she shares this advice, “My mom says we should always try and treat others with kindness, even if they aren’t kind to you.” They rescue Ned and he actually thanks his brother and agrees with Sophie that the swans are beautiful. Author Holly Peppe has created a tale that features a strong yet compassionate young woman. When she sees the swans in trouble, she stands up for them and even calls Ned out, telling him “Swans are really smart - and they don’t like bullies!” She listens to Sam’s descriptions of Ned’s behavior and understands why he is upset with his brother, but also gives him good advice. Her rescue of Ned helps to mend things between the brothers and gives Ned a fresh start on a friendship with her and an appreciation for his new home. Sophie doesn’t call names, or let the behavior of others stop her from doing what she knows is right. We could all use a role model like her. There is also a list of anti-bullying resources in the back of the book, helpful for parents and teachers as well as young readers.
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