Pat K. reviewed on 5/5/2010 + 20 more book reviews

This is a cheery, upbeat romp, written in a sugary style that will appeal to some, but not to others. The idea of homeless folks who have essentially no significant cares is odd, and for me counterproductive. Everyone has significant cares (not just the homeless), and a story about homeless folks could give us a chance to help our children develop deeper compassion for others and to realize that not everyone has the comforts and the security we enjoy. Yes, there's a balance to be struck between painting the world as sweetness and light versus painting it will all its injustice and horrors as neither approach is, in my view, respectful of children. We respect children by acknowledging that they do not have the knowledge base to process a large load of realistic pain that others experience, but we also respect children by believing that they can begin to understand and begin to develop compassion.

A good book for some, set in Paris, can be used as a basis for discussions of metaphors. Avoid this book if romanticizing poverty annoys you.

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