Author . Manjula Naraynan
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978- 1 - 4389 - 6957- 2

Click Here To Purchase The green Green Pear

This charming little story by Manjula Naraynan follows a little green pear on his quest for identity and self worth. For our little hero is disappointed with himself, as he is merely green. He sets out across the world hoping to become different, yet finds himself just as green and unremarkable as ever. Then a series of shooting stars help him transform into other, seemingly more attractive things. But none of these transformations make him feel any better about himself. At length, he realizes that he is at heart a green pear and must learn to love himself rather than try to be something else. 

I liked the rough, almost childlike quality of Naraynan's drawings, and the way they were integrated with photographs. The little pear is an especially endearing fellow, and the quirky details in each image make this book very enjoyable. 

I liked the choice of topic too. Self esteem in children is a critical issue that parents may often overlook,   and this book could be a great way to help a child communicate her feelings about herself; it certainly generated a lot of discussion between my six year daughter and me.  

I was, however, a little confused with the end.  The pear learns self esteem not by understanding what he is, but rather by realizing what he is NOT. Yet what is his essence, or indeed that of the other objects he tries to be?  I would also have liked to see the pear find love for himself within his own heart, and not acquire it from a wish.