About This Book
Reach for this book when your child finds their schoolwork or reading list dry, or when they need to see that 'the way things are' can be changed by a single creative spark. It is the perfect antidote to the idea that learning must be solemn or boring. This spirited biography introduces John Newbery, the man who looked at the dull, preachy books of the 18th century and shouted 'Balderdash!' He believed children deserved stories filled with joy, games, and wonder. Through his journey, the book explores themes of entrepreneurship, creative courage, and the importance of play. It is ideal for elementary-aged children, serving as an inspiring reminder that passion and a bit of rule-breaking can change the world for the better. It is a celebratory look at the history of the very thing your child is holding: a book made just for them.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is secular and lighthearted. It briefly touches on the historical reality of child labor and the strictness of the era, but the approach is direct and factual rather than dwelling on trauma. The resolution is triumphant and hopeful.
