Violet Mackerel's Personal Space

Well written, relatable, engaging, kind, with a quirky sense of humor that is innocent. I’ll just quote Meg Ryan in “You’ve Got Mail”:“Because when you read a book as a child it becomes a part of you in a way that no other reading in your whole life does.”Authors that develop characters who have qualities a parent would like their child to emulate are rare. Thank you!

If you haven't ever read a Violet Mackerel book, read one! She's brilliant! :)

Appropriate for 1-2nd graders.

It is so lovely to find new small chapter books, just perfect for the children at my primary school. Violet Mackerel's Personal Space is one of these. And what a sad-happy story. Violet's mom has decided to remarry and the whole family will move. That's two sad things for children to deal with but the author, Anna Branford, deals with the sad things in a way that will make the reader feel happy when she finishes the story. That's so nice for children who have to deal with sad things every day.

In this illustrated and heartwarming story, Violet is faced with change. In her thoughtful and innocent way she theorizes that you can leave 'pieces' of yourself behind so you really aren't gone, if you leave a small token.And the changes are coming fast and furiously: her mother is marrying her long term boyfriend, they will have to move house, her brother is unhappy at the idea of moving, and her sister is more excited about a new and bigger room. With reasonable and simple to follow examples and lots of warm fuzzies, this is a good introduction to the idea of big changes.No one really adores change, and her brother is by far the most upset by the planned move, but when he locks himself in his room, or retreats to a tent in the backyard with the zip closed, it is his 'personal space' and they allow him the time to sort through his feelings. The concept of 'secret spaces' and understanding boundaries and limits are introduced in a way that is easy to understand. While Violet is forever trying to be the peacemaker and wanting to help, her cleverly written notes and illustrations are sweetly thoughtful, and a trait to admire.I thoroughly enjoyed this little story, perfect for children ages 6 - 10, giving parents another way to introduce change and how the scary feelings don't always have to be so.I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Edelweiss. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility

Mom is vacationing with boyfriendwedding in a yard....with a "celebrant"small children need "personal space"....ugh

We have been eagerly waiting for this book for a while and were not disappointed. Very true to life, beautiful and touching as ever. Anna is right inside the head of her little character and so the stories seem real. We smile, laugh and cry not just a little through them all. Highly recommended.