Queen of Easter

Reviewed by Brooke James (age 5) and Mom for Reader Views (2/09) "Queen of Easter" by Mary Engelbreit is about a girl named Ann Estelle. It is Easter and Ann Estelle gets a new hat every year. This year, she wants a hat with ribbons and flowers so that she will have the best hat and be the Queen of Easter. She is disappointed when her mom gives her a plain straw hat. How can she be the Queen of Easter in such a plain hat? Read this book to find out how what happens. Mom: "What did you think about this book?" Brooke: "It was a very good book. I liked when she decorated her old hat with all the flowers and bows and especially the blue candy eggs! I wanted to jump in the page and eat the candy eggs!!" Parent's comments: I did not like Ann Estelle's attitude in the beginning of the book when her mother gave her a "plain" hat - spoiled, ungrateful little girl in my opinion!! However, I took the opportunity to talk to Brooke about how ugly Ann Estelle was when she didn't get the exact hat she wanted. Ann Estelle redeems herself by using her creativity and imagination and making the hat that she wanted. She becomes the Queen of Easter by realizing what really makes a great Easter hat - with the help of some spring visitors! "Queen of Easter" by Mary Engelbreit had a rocky start, but turned into a beautiful story. It is worth the read.

Just in time for Easter. This is a nice little story to read to your Children or Grandchildren. It is beautiful to look at and it is fun. If you like Mary Engelbreit and this holiday, consider getting this story.

Ann Estelle has always wanted a beautiful hat for Easter covered with ribbons and flowers. Instead, her mother gets her a traditional, classic hat with only one blue ribbon. Try as she might, Ann Estelle simply cannot like the hat so she thinks nothing of leaving it on her front porch one afternoon. A few days later, her mother discovers the hat, but with a surprise. There is a robin inside! The hat turns into a beautiful Easter surprise for Ann Estelle, and she discovers that having the best Easter hat doesn't always have to do with how many ribbons or flowers adorn it. I rarely review children's books, but picked this book up on a whim as I am a huge fan of Mary Engelbreit. I love her colorful, fun illustrations! This book was cute, had adorable pictures, and a great storyline. I read it to my 5-year-old son, and he enjoyed the story even though it was about a girl. This book is a beautiful, fun read. Enjoy!