Second Children’s Book by Madonna As Beautiful As First

Madonna’s second children’s book, “Mr. Peabody’s Apples,” hit the store shelves recently, and this one, illustrated by Loren Long, is as beautiful as her first, “The English Roses.” Unlike “The English Roses,” however, “Mr. Peabody’s Apples,” tells a rather cohesive if contrived tale.

But Madonna is not ashamed to admit up front that the story of Mr. Peabody, his apples and the residents of Happville (which isn’t a very big town) is not her own. No, in fact, it comes from the Kabbalah.

“Mr. Peabody’s Apples” is not for younger readers. The length of text on the pages invites smaller bodies to squirm in anticipation of the story.
The theme is also too advanced for small children. The 6- to 8-year-old child is probably the best audience for this neatly packaged morality tale.

Even if the story is not original, children are certain to be taken with the illustrations; their beauty and scope are breathtaking. Loren Long, whose artwork has appeared in Sports Illustrated and Time magazine, works wonders with the characters, from Mr. Peabody to Tommy to the tiny town of Happville. The pictures alone make “Mr. Peabody’s Apples” worthwhile.

Source: Michelle Rupe Eubanks, Times Daily