Milly, Molly and Betelgeuse

Author: Gill Pittar

Illustrator: Cris Morrell

Year: 2003

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 5 - 8 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Early Readers

ISBN: 978-1-87733-679-3

The title of this book sounded quite intriguing and I had to read it right away.The fact that the cover features Milly and Molly admiring a guinea pig only added to the mystery.

Betelgeuse is, in fact, the ninth brightest star (according to Wikipedia) visible to human eyes.

Milly and Molly are friendly with an extended family of guinea pigs that live in the corner of a garden. The young ones have adorable names like Sweet Pea, Chestnut, Snowdrop, Bluebell and yes, Betelgeuse.

Betelgeuse does not feel special because Ma Guinea knows the story behind everyone else’s name except his. Until, Milly and Molly inadvertently discover the meaning and finally, Betegeuse feels special.

I truly loved the way how, each night, Ma Guinea made every young one in her family feel special. I read this book and realized that, as parents, we are entrusted with the responsibility to make our children feel special, every day of their lives.

Excerpt

That night, after Ma Guinea had bedded the little guinea pigs, she began…

“Betelgeuse. Among the millions upon millions of stars in the sky, there is only one little star that can wave and twinkle and twinkle and wave and catch your attention every time. Its name is Betelgeuse.”

“Betelgeuse,” she said. “You are special.”

Bedtime, Billy Bear!

Author: Miriam Moss

Illustrator: Anna Currey

Year: 2007

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN:  978 0 23001 464 0

This charming bedtime tale encompasses most concerns of a child – going to bed without mama, having a sitter, fear of the dark, imagining noises. And, it's all packed elegantly into a heart-warming story centered around a family of bears.

Billy Bear’s mom is going out for her pottery class and he can’t quite get himself to sleep.

It’s adorable and so typical of a little one when they transfer their fears on to their favorite toy, in this story, Rabbit. 

Lucy, his sitter, kindly explains that his mom will be back, like always.

The illustrations and the story do reach out to you.

Excerpt

Mum read Billy a story and then kissed him goodnight.

“You’ve forgotten to sing our song,” said Billy.

“I’ve got to go to pottery now,” said Mum. “But here’s Lucy. She’s going to sing with you tonight.”

Mum tucked Billy in.

“Goodnight, Billy. Sleep tight!” she said.