Reviews for Around the World (Franny's Feet Series)

The average rating for Around the World (Franny's Feet Series) based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2017-07-01 00:00:00 Sonny Wilson I'm a grumpy reader right now. I should have skipped this one, and I was warned by Goodreads' friend Kathryn's wonderful review and comments on that review. I'm so behind in my reading so I'm resentful when I read something I don't enjoy. The main protagonist in this book is a narcissistic brat and a lousy friend, and she behaves in some very nasty ways. Then, she seems to learn nothing from her experiences or misbehavior. And her friend is a follower in a way that's not at all healthy for anyone. There really is nothing redeeming here. I thought that having a brat for a character might be good for kids with emotional or other problems, but Marigold isn't really good for anybody, in my opinion. I can certainly understand the need for transitional objects, in Marigold's case a purple coat, but that was about all I understood from Marigold's viewpoint. This is actually a very sad book, I think, but I don't think it was meant to be as sad as I see it. I can't imagine kids or anybody truly liking Marigold. Some kids might think parts of this story are funny, some might get a kick out of Marigold's stubbornness and her "winning" out over her friend and her mother. But, I wouldn't put this book in any child's hand. I'd actually like to read some reviews with differing opinions as I can't help but wonder if I missed something here. I can enjoy unlikable characters but I didn't at all enjoy Marigold. I don't like the depiction of Marigold or her mother or (second best, then not) friend, but the illustrations of objects, terrain, and setting, and cat and pictures on other pages were pictures that I did enjoy. They slightly bumped up my rating. There are thousands of better children's picture books out there. I wish I had read one of those books. Next time I think I'll listen better to my trustworthy Goodreads friends.

Review # 2 was written on 2017-07-01 00:00:00 Michael Cameron I really wanted to like this book. I love picture books with stand-out characters, and this was recommended as one that is really character-oriented. But, I ended up not wanting to hang out with Marigold! She is, for lack of a better word, a brat. And not even an endearing, amusing, somewhat forgivable brat like Eloise. I think we are meant to gather that her brat-nature has developed from a sense of insecurity or something. She doesn't want to get a new coat, because she is so attached to her old coat. Which is fine, that's cute, I get it--kids get attached to stuff, sometimes the oddest stuff, and I think it's insensitive for adults to rip it away. But, her solution is impractical and she does not seem thankful for getting something new. Later in the book, though (this is divided into very short "chapters"), she is upset because she doesn't have any new clothes. She feels bad because she wants to look pretty on the first day of school and she doesn't have any new clothes. There is a cute resolution to this, and it helps her mend the riff in her friendship, but, again, she seems so unaware of anything else going on and upsetting her mom in the process. The part that bothered me most was her dealings with her best friend. She is so rude and purposely vindictive and I don't feel that she ever fully apologizes for it or considers her friend's side of things. Of course, this could serve as a springboard for discussion with parents/teachers regarding how one OUGHT to behave to friends. I admit the story is told in an engaging way, and, yeah, Marigold made a strong impression as a character--but I just can't give this more than three stars.