Marguerite's Fountain

by Rachel Elliot, Petra Brown (Illustrator)

Marguerite is sparkling and beautiful as she dances around her fountain, but Benjamin is too shy to dance with her. Only when Randolph the Villain gets in the way does Benjamin realise how brave he really can be.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Kelsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

The illustrations and layout were fun to follow, but this is another stereotype reinforcing story about a shy but smart male that saves a demure, docile female from the clutches of a dark, mustache-twirling villain. A cute introduction to fantasy stories and being brave to save another but I wish Marguerite had more personality than a mouse that likes to dance.

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sure, it may be Marguerite's fountain, but where is Marguerite's voice? her agency? She is bamboozled by flattery, then ordered around and finally banished, and needs to be rescued. This book is worthwhile ONLY as a discussion starter. "What happened here?" "Why would Marguerite do what that guy said?" "What can we do if we see something like this happening?"

Nice illustrations though.