I Love You, Blue Kangaroo - Book Review

Was there a time when you could hardly get your child to part with his favorite toy? It's as if they were connected to each other...wherever he goes, the toy goes?

I Love You, Blue Kangaroo! By Emma Chichester Clark is a story of the unique affiliation between a little girl named Lily Brown and her Blue Kangaroo. It tells us that when a child has formed a special bond with a particular toy, no amount of new toys can break that "friendship." Some may view it as a security blanket, while others may regard it as an opportunity for children to play out feelings where they are able to care for and nurture another - be it animate or inanimate.

On a deeper level, I Love You, Blue Kangaroo carries a theme that can be reflected upon by anyone aged 2 to 92. As we read through it, we are reminded of our need as human beings to feel secure in any relationship, be it between parent and child, husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, or even among friends. In this story, this need is shown through the eyes of Blue Kangaroo. As other stuffed animals start coming into the life of Lily, his owner, Blue kangaroo begins to "lose sleep." Until one night he sadly resigns himself to the feeling that there's no more room for him and decides to walk out the door. In the end, he realizes that Lily's love for him had not diminished even with the addition of new stuffed animals-it had only accentuated its "specialness."

Many can relate to Blue Kangaroo's feelings of hurt, sadness and insecurity. Through this touching story, may we be reassured in our own relationships and more importantly, may we be able to reassure the Blue Kangaroos in our lives.

P.S. Like Lily, when I was a child, I had a white furry rabbit I couldn't easily part with. Its wires came off and its fur began to shed off, but still it was the apple of my eye. How about your child? Does he have a "Blue Kangaroo?"

Something TO DO:

Help your child keep fond memories of his "Blue Kangaroo." Take a picture of them together and have it framed. Or if you are feeling creative, you can make your own frame to give it a personalized touch. Save it as a special present for your child when he/she is all grown up; I'm sure the memory of it will make your child's eyes filled with tears.