The Sugar Child

Initially I thought this was going to be another version of the "Gingerbread Boy" but it turned out to be much more uplifting. My 5 year old daughter is fascinated by the story. I doubt if she got a "lesson" from it on a conscious level (who knows what they pick up subconsciously), but it struck me as an allegory about parents wanting to protect their children from the dangers and sorrows of life, when those are the very things that will make them fully human. Note that there is a point at which we wonder whether the Sugar Child and her best friend will die. It is handled gently and the ending is definitely happy, but I remember times in the past when my daughter would have been very disturbed by the drama and fear along the way. But if your child is able to handle that sort of climax, it's a beautiful, sweet story with soft and comforting illustrations.

My dear friend, Monique, is the author of this book.....so.....I am a bit biased. It is a lovely story and one that I have shared with many friends and their children. I recommend it very highly.

I was intrigued by The Sugar Child. The story is sweet and the values are kind and heartfelt. With all the roughness of today's world, it is lovely to find a children's story that nurtures love and kindness. My little niece who is five years old loves to hear the story and lose herself in the beautiful soft pictures.