Sky Castle
Positive and encouraging, this is the first book by author and child protection social worker Hanken. She wrote this winsome poem to encourage children to believe in themselves and in the power of their dreams. Handsome pictures perfectly complement the poetic images. Gorgeous illustrations of butterflies and dragonflies, moonbeams and starlight, dolphins and turtles, Pegasus and elves, tigers and owls, dragons and castles stimulate the imagination and rouse warm feelings. Intriguing Celtic borders decorate each page adding an enchanting touch. It’s no wonder that illustrator Bergsma is internationally acclaimed. Her other book, Dreambirds, won the 1998 Visionary Award for Best Children’s Book.
This line gives an indication of the message of this title:“Let’s build a great castle high up in the sky./ We’ll close our eyes and let ourselves fly/To a bright new world of our own creation,
/Full of hopes and dreams and imagination.”
Children are urged throughout this book to work together, “each adding our part,” to create a castle large enough to hold even oceans and forests, deserts and mountains, all the right homes for all of Earth’s creatures. They are encouraged to bring warm hugs and smiles; love and laughter, welcoming relatives and new friends from many lands to join as one family dancing and singing together.
Sky Castle is a particularly sensitive book fostering a broad sense of appreciation and the value of responsibility in creating a loving world filled with hope. Delightful.
Reviewed by
Sophia Tarila
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
