Bookworm: Blueberry Girl by Neil Gaiman

Let her tell stories and dance in the rain, somersault, tumble and run,

her joys must be high as her sorrows are deep.

Let her grow like a weed in the sun.

Bestselling author Neil Gaiman wrote Blueberry Girl for his friend, songstress Tori Amos, as she prepared for the birth of her daughter. Originally just a signed poem for the nursery, interest in the poem grew and eventually Gaiman teamed with a frequent collaborator, artist Charles Vess, to produce a picture book for many other mothers and daughters.

The prose is magical with a lilting rhyme, complemented beautifully by the art nouveau-esque illustrations. It’s a book which celebrates the glory of growing up and all the adventure that awaits a young girl. Definitely one to give and cherish.

Blueberry Girl is published by Allen and Unwin and retails for $27.99.