Claudine: A Fairy Tale for Exceptional Grownups

by Marian Grudko, T.A. Young, Donal Partelow (Illustrator)

Claudine is the story of a ladybug who wanted more than anything to live in Paris. Surely, she belonged there: her red and black ensemble was equal to any creation from the House of Dior. And surely she would be noticed by the greatest directors of film?
She sets out with naive certainty to live an enchanted life, when - of course, there are surprises. And terrible challenges. Can Claudine find the strength of soul to achieve her destiny? Will she really be helped by Pierre, a sometime-rooster who quotes Simone de Beauvoir?

Marian Grudko and T.A. Young have written a book that begins as a children's story and evolves through language and thought to earn its sub-title, "A Fairy Tale for Exceptional Grownups." With Claudine illustrations by Donal Partelow and paintings of Paris by Renee Gauvin.

54 pages, Hardcover

First published November 19, 2019

Reviews

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance]

I'm always telling people that picture books aren't just for little kids. Take a look at this list of picture books that children, teens, and adults can all enjoy. Claudine is a great example of a book whether the authors made that clear from the title on.

Claudine is a ladybug who wants to be...more. And off she goes in pursuit of her goal. But, of course, life is rarely a clear path. And we are all the better for it not being so.

This is a wise book, a thoughtful book, a clever book, and the illustrations are equally wise and thoughtful and clever. A delight.

[Tisha (IG: Bluestocking629)]

Claudine! Where do I begin!?!?

Ok first and foremost I would like to say to believe what you read on the cover: "A Fairy Tale for Exceptional Grownups". This is a grownup fairytale and I feel exceptional because I have read it.

It is more than clever. It is more than a love story. It's more than a fairy tale. It is also wildly entertaining. There were even several laugh out loud moments. Although this is not a middle grade fictional book I feel it has the same life lessons that those books try to bestow upon their readers. What is this book's lesson? I dare not tell you. That's up to you to figure out.

Even though Claudine is a lady bug and you are all, presumably, human I know you can definitely relate to her. She is just a ladybug trying to find her way in the world, just like we all are. Am I right?!

You will honestly be finding yourself cheering her on and wondering what advice you would give her in her journey through life.

Does she make the right decision in the end? You will find the answer to this and all of your other questions within the 43 pages of this beautifully written fairy tale.

Shall we talk about the cover and the inside illustrations? Simply divine! They truly add to the story and will enhance the visual you will have in your own mind when you read this book.

Do I recommend this book? Heck yes! Claudine does as well!

[Raven Howell]

This book is beautifully written and illustrated. I found it magical and readily fell into step with Claudine, an adventurous ladybug, and main character. It will leave you smiling and wanting to re-read it again and again.

[Kelly]

Fabulous!

Anybody that knows me or knows my preferred genre knows that Claudine is not it. Until now, that is.

This book was given to me as a gift and although I knew it would be a quick read I put it off for months. I’m so pleased to have finally read this entertaining and sweet read.

The blurb on the front says the book is for exceptional adults. I thank my gift giver for finding me exceptional. I’m so happy to have found a friend in Claudine. I enjoyed reading about her transformation in Paris. I found the book so enjoyable I actually read it twice. Claudine brought me such joy. I highly recommend this book to all exceptional adults.

[Lee Miao]

I read this lovely picture book, my first ever fairly tale for grownups. Claudine is an intelligent ladybug who wants to live in Paris but is stuck among the flowers in the French countryside. Seeking to fulfill her passion, she packs a bag to Paris and first makes her way down the runway walk at a fashion show. But that’s not her only endeavor—whether she is a “ladybug or a model or an actress or a blade of grass . . . she matters to the universe.”

While meeting many characters in her journey, especially the enigmatic Pierre, Claudine’s engagement with life's mysteries are both agonizing and beautiful. While the picture book is mostly text, the spot illustrations are also whimsically endearing. I hope you put out the red carpet for this truly eloquent story by authors Grudko and Young.

[Emma]

VERDICT: How to grow up, become who you really are, and find your right place in the universe, neither too low nor too high? Claudine’s journey can help you figure it out.

Check out my full review:
https://wordsandpeace.com/2023/08/21/...