Petra.

Reviewed by Mirthala Barragan, First Class Learning Center, Austin, TX -- Críticas, 4/1/2008

Bansch, Helga.
tr. by Eva Mejuto. illus. by author. Spain: OQO. 2007. 36p. ISBN 978-84-9871-003-8. $17.95.

Gr 2-4–Like many other vain girls, elephant Petra yearns to be long and lean, graceful and skinny. When she decides to ask her friends for advice, the crocodile suggests working out; but after vigorously trying her routine, she fails to see any results. The zebras suggest a slimming striped outfit; but it doesn’t favor her at all. The snake recommends eating only once a week; but by the next morning she is starving and has lost all of her willpower. In sheer desperation, Petra decides to travel the world with her friend the parrot in search of an answer. Throughout her journey, she loses track of what she is looking for; but it does not matter: she finds a friend that makes her feel beautiful and happy with herself. This lighthearted story about a very common self-esteem issue will appeal to the young readers, especially girls who are often more vulnerable to the standards of beauty portrayed by the media. They will easily relate to Petra and be able to laugh at the silly ideas her animal friends suggest. More importantly, they will understand the underlying message of the story: people will love you just for who you are. The colorful and simple acrylic-and-pencil illustrations and the large type make this title ideal for storytime; and the theme should nicely open up a conversation about self-confidence. Recommended for school and public libraries, as well as bookstores.