
Medea creates a reality based example of family dynamic change. In Honeycake Counting All My Blessings, Medea hits on the dynamic of young Nala experiencing a new aspect of her family; a new baby brother. In the world of 'the only child' family triage, Nala now is feeling elements of jealousy, isolation, being left out, and fear of change. As children are wont to do when once they were the center of attention, now the attention is shifted to the next family member who is born. Nala must now deal with the emotional firestorm inside brought on by witnessing her new little brother getting gifts, attention from family and friends, and hearing her new brother being called "Honeycake," a name she was only called by her grandma. With all of these mixed emotions bubbling to the surface, she acts out like any child would who doesn't understand why their world is changing.
I like the way the author utilizes a lot of factors within the confines of the story. Medea brings together a multi-cultural family and has the grandmother help Nala better understand how to stop "the green-eyed monster" raging inside Nala. It is a very good way to express how to deal with children who are experiencing or may experience this potential change in their life. Nala is allowed to express her worries, fears, and emotions to grandma who listens. The uses the green-eyed monster analogy to help connect with Nala. I found the point of view very enlightening because the grandma hits on not only being thankful for the good things, but also the bad things that happen as well. The author makes sure to connect with the reality that we need the negative or bad things in life to happen in order for us to grow and learn. It makes for good points to children, who need to understand life shouldn't always be good. It is necessary for the not so good times to be experienced and how we are to deal with it.
I feel this story can be read to children and help expressively deal with their issue of a new family dynamic (specifically getting a new sibling). I also think some of the vocabulary used needs to be explained by a parent reading to the child for better understanding. Overall it is a solid book with cute illustrations along with dialogue which connects to the reader who may be experiencing some of the same issues little Nala is.
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