Maddy and the Magic Penny

Celeste Scheinberg
ConMad Books (2006)
ISBN 0978840208
Reviewed by Stephanie and Parish (age 3) Rollins for Reader Views (4/07)

“Maddy and the Magic Penny” is lined with pink.  This immediately caught Parish’s attention.  As Parish flipped through the pages, she notices the illustration with Maddy’s reflection in the rearview mirror. 

There are illustrations of Maddy doing normal children activities, such as playing on the playground, eating sandwiches, and hugging her mother.  Parish points these out to me as she first “reads” “Maddy and the Magic Penny” to me.  She then notices the rainbow.  We started talking about rainbows.  She is now fascinated with rainbows.  We have painted many in the last few days, and she wants to decorate her room in rainbows.

In “Maddy and the Magic Penny,” Maddy is insecure about socializing.  Her mother reassures her, but tells her that she has to face this herself.  Maddy then dreams that she has a magic penny that makes her mother into a little girl that goes to school with her.  In the dream, her mother shows her how to make friends. 

The illustrations in “Maddy and the Magic Penny” are attractive to children.  They are pastel.  The magic penny is illuminated, and Parish had to point it out.  “Look Mommy!”

Parish wants to keep this book.  It is in her book box in her bathroom (her library).  That means she really likes it.  The characters in “Maddy and the Magic Penny” are relatable for young children, especially young girls.  The story is empathetic, and it directs children to use their uncomfortable feelings as catalysts for change.  This is a great book.  I recommend it.

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