A Place for Pauline: Guest review

This review was written by student Bronte L.

 

Written by Anouk Mahiout

Illustrated by Marjolaine Perreten

Groundwood Books

978-1-77306-609-7

48 pp.

Ages 3-6

2022 

 

Pauline lives in a busy household. Her rambunctious younger brother is always running around; her baby sister cries and whines; and her mother is busy with another daughter on the way. Being the eldest isn’t as easy as it seems. But Pauline has a secret hiding place where she can daydream in peace. There she flies around the world, rules her very own kingdom, and escapes to France where her grandmother lives. One day, she decides to take action, pack her bags, and make her daydreams reality. 

From A Place for Pauline by Anouk Mahiout, illus. by Marjolaine Perreten

On her way to the ship that will take her to France, she is reminded of all the fun she has had with her family: playing ball hockey, enjoying Dad’s baking, and taking care of her cherished flower bed of the tricolour of impatiens, columbines, and forget-me-nots. But will those memories be enough to keep her and her imagination from escaping off to France?

My house is so full of people, it isn’t easy to find my place - even though I got here first! (pg. 4)

From A Place for Pauline by Anouk Mahiout, illus. by Marjolaine Perreten

A Place for Pauline is written by Montreal's Anouk Mahiout and illustrated by Swiss artist Marjolaine Perreten. It's an ever-so charming story with delightful watercolour illustrations in a comic style. The book does a terrific job of illustrating children’s wild imaginations, how special secret dens and hide outs can be as well as a home filled with comfort and bustle. I’d suggest this book to kids ages 4 to 7; however, finding a place to belong is something most people must go through at some point in their lives and, although Pauline is determined that her place is in France, I also think it’s a relatable book for anyone and everyone.

From A Place for Pauline by Anouk Mahiout, illus. by Marjolaine Perreten

~ Review written by Bronte L., a Gr. 9 student