Review: Rosie and Rasmus by Serena Geddes

ROSIE AND RASMUS

by Serena Geddes

Aladdin

Picture Book 

48 pages

ages 4 to 8

Two kindred spirits—a lonely young girl and a solitary young dragon—find each other and discover the power and magic of friendship in this sweetly simple picture book. 

Every day, Rosie waits and watches as children play together, laugh and share stories, hoping she can join in the fun and make a new friend. But every day her wish never comes true.

Every day, Rasmus sits in his tree and waits and watches as birds dance in the sky, wishing he could fly just like them. But every day his wish never comes true.

Then one day, Rosie and Rasmus meet and girl and dragon are lonely no more. They become the best of friends, playing together, laughing, sharing stories…and Rosie even helps Rasmus learn to fly! But when Rasmus finds his wings, he knows he must also find his fate. Two best friends say goodbye, as Rasmus flies away.

But then…a lonely girl watches and waits as children play together, laugh and share stories, hoping she can join in the fun and make a new friend. And today, when Rosie brings her a flower, she does.

Serena Geddess’s enchanting tale is sure to make readers believe in the transformative power of love, friendship, and faith.

MY TIDBITS

Emotions coat these pages as a little girl and a little dragon turn loneliness into friendship.

Rosie watches the other kids play, but never partakes and sits on the sidelines. Rasmus is a sweet dragon but can't fly and sits alone too. One day, the two meet and find they might get along just fine. Soon, Rosie does what she can to help Rasmus. He doesn't have wings, but she's not going to let that stop him from chasing his dream.

This is a book with an overload of text but allows the illustrations to speak as much as the story. Rosie's loneliness stabs at the heart immediately. At first, I didn't know what to think...it will hit home hard for many kids, and Rosie, in her own way, seems not to try to integrate with the other kids either. Then comes Rasmus, and he's all alone as well. Sadness drips from these moments and will effect young readers. But...and this is where I must say I forgave the first pages...the two find each other, and a wonderful friendship begins. And more. There's caring, concern, and helping someone else to achieve a dream even when it means Rosie will be left alone again. (And no fears, this has a happy ending which left with a satisfied sigh)

The illustrations are calming, gentle and still bright and playful. The characters are extremely well portrayed, and the atmosphere is spot on. It's simply lovely to flip through the pages and enjoy.



And here she is...

Serena Geddes, illustrator of Aladdin's Marguerite Henry's Misty In series, has been illustratgin children's books since 2009. She has illustrated the LuluBell books and has also worked for Walt Disney Animation Australia on sequels to The Lion King, Peter Pan Return to Neverland, Lady and the Tramp and Jungle Book. She lives in Australia.