"She noticed this strange looking toy, it had a bird body and arms instead of wings and it was cute."
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Candy Goes Shopping by Tierney McMillian Trafford Publishing
book review by C.D.
From buying gum drops to trying on sun hats, a day at the mall can provide the perfect opportunity for fun, family bonding, and even learning experiences, as revealed in the bright and colorful pages of Tierney McMillian's children's book. While this story is set in Greenbranch, England, the busy mall atmosphere that includes Candy and her mother visiting a candy shop, toy store, music store, and clothing store, while Candy's father looks for fishing gear at the sports shop, seems indicative of a universally familiar setting. And while a shopping spree with mom will surely entice an audience of little girls; the heart of Candy's enjoyment appears in her ability to make choices while her parent trusts her to do so. McMillian gives Candy the opportunity to select sweets at the candy counter and, with her mother's guidance, to purchase an unusual toy. While such lessons may seem small, undoubtedly they prove beneficial in helping a young child to make decisions, gain self-reliance, and be independent.
When the two enjoy lunch at a cozy little eatery, again the author presents an adult who praises her child's meal choice. McMillian's story is also a way of showing that when such valuable teachings are absorbed by children, they also help enforce the concepts of generosity and sharing. Here we witness Candy purchasing a CD not only for herself, but she also buys one for her mother.
Illustrations by Dwight Nacaytuna are of the classic children's book variety. Each makes use of a rainbow of colors: sharp, bright, and eye-catching images, a subtle hint at the flash of a mall-type environment. Characters with wide-eyed expressions and smiles prove complimentary to their positive mall experience. This lends an old-fashioned quality to the tale and seems appropriate in application to the teachings of basic life lessons.