The Great Bellybutton Cover-up can be enjoyed by children and parents alike, whether your little one loves to show off their bellybutton, prefers to keep it hidden, or is still trying to locate it. The large, bold print is easy to follow along with and fun to listen to, as the story reads rhythmically with occasional rhyme. Vibrantly colored ink and watercolor pictures fill each page opposite the print. See Violet the sheep try on all sorts of silly things to replace her fluffy wool after she is sheared. Although Violet thinks she is "pretty in pink" (cotton candy, that is), "fabulous in [chicken] feathers", and "beautiful in balloons", she ultimately learns that she is most wonderful in her own wool.
Violet's story offers many different morals and will lead to thoughtful discussions with your child. To begin with, Violet is quite embarrassed to have her bellybutton show after she is sheared, leading to her frantic search to cover up with just about anything. This can begin a discussion with your child about body parts or body image. The author makes a point to note that Violet is not using her manners. She is in such a hurry to cover her bellybutton back up that she barges into the cotton candy stand and the hen house, and snatches the clown's balloons without every saying "excuse me" or "pardon me". In the end, Violet is on the receiving end of the same rude behavior and experiences the negative feelings it causes. Manners are always a popular topic for you and your child.
I read this book with Sarah, who seemed to thoroughly enjoy my theatrical reading - especially when I did Violet's voice. I asked Sarah what her favorite 'outfit' of Violet's was and she said the balloons because of all the colors. When I asked about the feathers, Sarah said, "Violet is not a bird, so she shouldn't have feathers."
--Audra