Junonia

I really prefer wholesome high quality literature for my children and I was unsure of this book so I read aloud to my children. My kids were curious enough to keep wanting to hear more so I'd say it was stimulating/entertaining. From a Christian standpoint which is of top most value to me as a parent and wanting traditional values, this book misses the mark but provided a good springboard to emphasize (for a Christian) the emptiness and loneliness the main character is experiencing and seeking a "God" in the form a seashell. We used this secular book as an example of idolatry, but how we draw close to our Savior through nature and can be awestruck with the amazing creations God has given us like seashells. The literary value was not impressive but an easy/short read. My children (5 and 10) liked the ocean/beach theme and could out themselves in the characters shoes easily. Good opportunity to discuss the difficult but common topics in the book ( a girl distraught because her mother abandoned her, I think her Father had a new girlfriend joining the vacation) and use for building empathy in that you never know what someone is walking through in life. I wouldn't want my children to read this on their own even though it's easy enough to, but would like to help them see it through a Christian worldview.