Book Review: Poppy’s Sweet Sibling Story

Reviewed by Erin Britton

A fun-filled learning lesson about trying, persevering, and supporting friends

Poppy’s Sweet Sibling Story, the seventh book in the Poppy the Toucan series, shares an important lesson through an exuberant chorus of song and dance.

Poppy the Toucan is strutting her stuff in the Mungo Bungo Jungle when she spies her friend Blue Sloppy Foot singing loudly and jumping about like a rockstar.

“His rhythms were strong and his wings did a flutter at the end of each beat. His foot moves were a bit sloppy… but that’s what made them so unique and cool.”

She also spots his younger sister, Suzie Blue Foot, nervously watching the fun from the sidelines. Poppy asks if Suzie would like to join in and is shocked to learn that Suzie is too scared to do so in case she is no good and people laugh at her.

“How do you know what you’re good at if you haven’t even tried?”

Determined to help Suzie overcome her fear and see if she enjoys singing and dancing, Poppy explains the folly of quitting and failing before even trying something new, and she tells the motivational story of the Can-Can basketball team:

“Remember our team the Can-Cans?
They weren’t always the Can-Cans.
They started out as the Cannots
because they were so bad at first!”

Just as the Can-Cans persevered and improved through patience and practice, Poppy suggests that she and Suzie join forces—with Poppy singing and Suzie dancing—to see how much fun they can have. “Now I warn you, I don’t have a great voice, but I promise to sing my heart out anyway and have a wonderful time.” And her plan works!

While the other jungle creatures do initially laugh at the duo’s musical efforts, they quickly decide to join in with them, “and soon enough everyone was hopping up and down and dancing to the rhythms.” And what’s more, Suzie’s newfound confidence and willingness to try fresh things lead to some very exciting opportunities.

Poppy’s Sweet Sibling Story offers a joyful celebration of the benefits of helping friends and working together to have fun and achieve unexpected milestones. While it is the seventh book starring Poppy the Toucan, Madelyn Simon’s canny characterization means that Poppy feels instantly familiar and a joy to be around.

In fact, with all her exuberance, bravery, and zest for life, Poppy is an inspirational role model for young readers. She instantly spots when a friend is in need of help and having her confidence built up, and she’s willing to risk embarrassment to ensure that Suzie doesn’t become stuck in a rut and miss out on the possibility of enjoyment and success.

The moral behind Poppy’s Sweet Sibling Story is clear—never avoid pursuing an interest due to fear and always be willing to help a friend in need—but the story wears its educational aspect lightly. Simon ensures that the story is fun and funny the whole way through. Poppy’s antics are definitely going to entertain youngsters and the people reading with them.

Michael Sherman’s vibrant illustrations enhance the story greatly, particularly when conveying the chaotic movement and compelling joy of Poppy and Suzie’s musical endeavors. It’s no wonder the other jungle animals feel the urge to join in! The color and detail bring the scenes to life and will certainly hold young readers’ attention.

Poppy’s Sweet Sibling Story presents a cheery and hilarious adventure for Poppy the Toucan and her friends, revealing how a spot of bravery can have major consequences and lead in surprising directions. Little readers will love the book’s zany exploits, and older readers will be glad it instills a sense of confidence and a boosted self-esteem.

Thank you for reading Erin Britton’s book review of Poppy’s Sweet Sibling Story by Madelyn Simon! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

The post Book Review: Poppy’s Sweet Sibling Story appeared first on Independent Book Review.