Not an Egg!

De: Cheryl Matthynssens

Narrado por: Valerie Gilbert

Helping a child accept that there will be a new baby in the house can be difficult. Not an Egg is a view of the feelings an older child can experience when a family is expecting a new child. For a child who is used to getting all the attention, this can create feelings of being left out or competing with the new baby. Not an Egg allows your child to explore these feelings through the eyes of a little dragon and a new egg. It leaves the parent an opportunity to discuss what to expect and that love is not something with a limited content. Follow Seafaria as she learns of a new egg, the changes that an egg brings, and then the joys and wonder of a little brother.

©2013 Cheryl Matthynssens (P)2014 Cheryl Matthynssens

Great Audiobook for Children

Would you listen to Not an Egg! again? Why?

Absolutely. It is a lovely children’s story with a moral built around love (this is not preachy or over the top). This teaches children about parental and unlimited love.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Not an Egg!?

The ending

Have you listened to any of Valerie Gilbert’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, one other audiobook - ‘How do Dragons get their color’. Much like the previous book, the narrator possesses the perfect voice for this story and keeps you absorbed throughout.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not me personally, but I can imagine that for Children they would be moved (realise the moral) towards the end of the book

Any additional comments?

Perfect book for a quick night time read.

Eldest sibling must adjust.

In this short children’s book, the parent dragons are soon expecting their second child (an egg will soon hatch). The story is told through the eyes of the eldest child, exploring the various emotions associated with not being the only child.

First, I really liked the imagery. There’s a beach, fun in the water, and, of course, the dragons! Next, and probably more importantly, the eldest child explores feelings of jealousy, wonder, acceptance, and eventually joy at the idea of having a sibling. The parent dragons explain to their child that their love for their first born will not be diminished by the arrival of a second child; love is infinite.

Many of us, as adults, know that love comes in many flavors. But for a children’s book, I felt this was a positive and worthy, if hopeful, message for kids. It was enjoyable to get caught up in the tale of a little dragon family on the beach.

Narration: Valerie Gilbert did a great job. She had the most adorable little kid voice for the kid dragon. Her voice for the mother dragon was soothing and womanly all at once. The voice she used for the father dragon was patient. All around, a great job for this kids’ book.

What I Liked: The cover art; dragon family on the beach!; kid dragon gets to explore all his feelings.

What I Disliked: Nothing – I think this is great for kids!