Written by Mem Fox, illustrated by Julie Vivas
Hardcover: 32 pages; Kane/Miller, 1985
ISBN: 0916291049 $10.47
(ages: 3-6)
"Mommy, read it again!" Oh, no, not this book again. Parents won't feel that way about "Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge," by Mem Fox, illustrated by Julie Vivas, voted one of 100 Best Children's Books by the New York Times. It's equally strong in its captivating language, its tender message, and its vibrant artwork.
This is a touching story of a small boy named Wilfrid Gordon who lives next to an old people' s home. The boy loves to visit the residents, folks like "Mrs. Jordan who played the organ," "Mr. Hosking who told him scary stories," and "Mr. Tippet who was crazy about cricket," but especially Miss Nancy Allison Delacourt Cooper "because she had four names just as he did." As he finds out that Miss Nancy has lost her memory, he sets out in search of what is a memory. Armed with various definitions gleaned from his friends at the old folks home, he plans a surprise for Miss Nancy Allison Delacourt Cooper....
On a language level, the book shows how easy it is for kids to learn to read with bouncy repetitive text. The names in the book are musical-Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge and Miss Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper. Wilfrid Gordon's neighbors in the old folks home repeat themselves when he is searching for the meaning of memory -"something warm, my child, something warm," and "something that makes you laugh, my darling, something that makes you laugh." And the story line consists of repeating patterns: meeting each of the old folks in turn, hearing each one's definition of memory, finding the individual items to represent each definition, and the remembered events from Miss Nancy's past. It's the repetition, sense of rhythm, and understanding of how children learn that set the language of this book apart.
On a social level, the book shows that every individual has dignity and worth and is unique. There are many different things that friends do for each other, like cheering each other up when they are sad or helping them find lost memories. It is touching to watch this boy, genuinely concerned about his elderly friend, search for a way to cheer her up. Ultimately he helps her reconnect with the ordinary aspects of life that were ever significant to her. It's the details of his relationship with Miss Nancy that make him so endearing.
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