My five year old son and I absolutely loved Don't Drink the Pink. In fact, he made me read it to him twice, one straight after the other, partly because he loved it and partly because he wanted to read it the second time after taking on board what happens in it. The book begins on Madeline's first birthday. Her beloved grandfather is always busy in his workshop cooking up, as it turns out, wonderful potions that give Madeline a superpower. Each year, on her birthday, she gets to choose a new potion but each time her grandfather tells her "just don't drink the pink". She gets to be tiny, to be a giant, to be able to move faster than a locomotive and, my personal favourite, to be able to build rollercoasters for herself and her friends. So many things about this book make it special. Firstly, it all rhymes which I think gives it a rhythmical flow that really keeps children (and their grown ups) interested. Secondly, the rhyme about not drinking the pink is the same for every birthday and it gave my son the opportunity to join in with the "just don't drink the pink" line with a big smile on his face. He can read perfectly well himself but it made it a nice joint endeavour. Thirdly, the story is fun and magical. There's a sad element to it but it's tempered by an uplifting ending. Finally, the illustrations are gorgeous and complement the story perfectly. They're colourful and give an accurate depiction of what is happening in the story. I really can't praise this book highly enough. Be aware, it does deal with the death of a relative but it's sensitively done and although my son did feel a bit sad at that bit, he bounced back with the ending. It's a fabulous little read for the 3-8 age group.
Nicola Smith, A LoveReading4Kids Ambassador
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A visually lovely book, the illustrations were colourful and detailed.
A visually lovely book, the illustrations were colourful and detailed. The story of Grandfather and granddaughter is captured well in the story, it gives you a warm happy feeling inside and I especially like the idea that the story is in verses.... Read Full Review
There is plenty to talk about and discuss-- which is your favourite potion, where did grandpa get the potions from? It's certainly one my grandchildren would enjoy reading.
This is a tale told in rhyme about Madeleine. Each birthday her grandfather gives her a potion to drink and each one gives her the power to do something magical - fly, grow, shrink etc.Until the last birthday when the only potion left is the pink one. Every page is beautifully illustrated and overlaid with verse which draws the reader in. This is a book for adults to share with the child, or for a young reader to read alone. There is plenty to talk about and discuss-- which is your favourite potion, where did grandpa get the potions from? etc. What happens, in the end, is another talking point and I am not sure I was completely happy with it, but it certainly is an unusual twist.... Read Full Review
