"Nutmeg"

As mentioned before on TT, I often shop for books to keep at my house for my growing brood of grandchildren. As a mother of four daughters, and two stepdaughters, I am also the proud grannie of 5, count 'em, 5 grandsons. I am often at a loss at what to do with all these boys. So, my toy closet and low bookshelf has reflected what interests young buckeroos: Spiderman, Batman, Tonka Trucks, Matchbox cars, and books about Indians, sharks, or horses.

My next-to-oldest daughter's recent sonogram indicated the newest little grandchick is probably a girl! Poor kid, she is surely going to be a tomboy around all those brothers and male cousins. But, that's okay, too. She can learn to swim, ride and spit with the best of 'em.



Recently I found a nice sized picture book published by Random House and written by David Lucas, "Nutmeg". What a wonderful first "girl reader" addition to my grandhildren's bookshelf!

Great storybook character names like Nutmeg, Nicodemus and Nesbit spice up the narrative and could easily lead into talking about other words that start with the letter "N". Early reading and alphabet introduction reaps good rewards later in a better student. And reading to your grandchild is extra sweet. The story and graphics had such an "English" feel to them; when I took the time to read the inside flap, I discovered that Mr. Lucas studied illusatration at the Royal College of Art in England. The little heroine, Nutmeg, does remind me of another favorite character my girls enjoyed reading, "Madeline."

The beginning of the story is overtoned in sepia browns and grays, and Nutmeg laments the sameness of her days and her meals with Uncle Nicodemus and Cousin Nesbit. Deciding to take (*gasp) a walk (which was extraordinary in itself), Nutmeg discovers a Genie in a bottle who grants her three wishes. Instead of asking for something predictable, Nutmeg requests something different for supper and for breakfast and for lunch. The illustrations begin to zing with color, action, and exciting happenings. Rosy skys and azure seas now dominate the palette instead of the dull industrial look depicting Nutmeg's days before the three wishes.

It's a simple little tale, a quick read, but sure to please the short attention of a very young soon-to-be reader.

The last sentence leaves a just right open place in the imagination: "...it wasn't long before Nutmeg began to wonder what they'd have for lunch."

Having a girl to read to again will be fun!