Review: The Prince of Yorsha Doon
A new book, The Prince of Yorsha Doon arrived on my doorstep in the most beautiful of boxes! My oldest daughter was super excited to see it as she's loves the Wingfeather Saga by the same author, Andrew Peterson.
I figured I should open the box on the book's birthday (release day), so this afternoon I went out in my backyard and under the full sun made little Instagram reel. I announced a couple of weeks ago that I'd decided to dedicate my Instagram to bringing you children's books that uplift and delight kids, but I never said I was great at reels, so watch at your own caution.
On to the review: This book is a surprising delight. If you're reading this, Andrew, don't be offended! I thought I was simply getting a far east-themed children's book about a little adventure, but what I got was a story about the importance and beauty of one of God's greatest gifts to us: friendship. And it was told with such realistic depth.
When the book begins, the main character refuses to give us his name.
"Names are powerful. A name can be a code, unlocking a person's heart." The book goes on to say, "The boy had no friends. He preferred it that way. Alone was safe. Alone meant freedom. His home was here, and there, nowhere, and everywhere."
As someone who was struggled with friendship since childhood- usually having one intense friendship or no friends at all- this hit home. Children on the autism spectrum and/or their parents may resonate with the above quotes.
Being neurodivergent often means you live on the periphery of things. Lost in books, drawing pads, playing with blades of grass, or just in your imagination. I have to admit, I often enjoyed being in my own little world and still do, but there were times I was curious about these human beings who gathered and groups and did things together.
Autistic people often make peace with a life lived on the fringes- living both here and everywhere- just like our main character here did. Solitude can become a place of safety from the confusing elements of the world or people who might be up to no good, but what if there's something beautiful we're missing out on?
That's what this book addresses so well.
It's funny, because I've felt God nudging me to invest in and cultivate friendships and then this book comes along!
Book text: "Oskar smiled gently, 'A friend is one of the Maker's finest gifts."
As the book progresses, you see the main character, whose eventually does share his name, learn that friendship is valuable and something he can indeed enjoy for himself. With the help of a little girl named Saana, he embarks on a mission to rescue the lost prince.
What else I loved about this book: There are word scrambles and hidden pictures to discover adding awesome elements of fun. The illustrations are so bright and lively- on the page about stew, I could have sworn I smelled something cooking (but I was outside so my neighbors could have been cooking).
I loved that by the end of the book, this fiercely independent wanderer found a place and purpose for himself within the city and made two friends. For many children, that's no small thing. Maybe this book would help the little one in your life begin to think about friendship in a new way.
As the school season descends upon us, there will be children in need of a buddy or two. If you have a social butterfly, this book could open up great conversations about how to help kids who need a hand.
Great job Andrew and illustrator Kristina Kister!
You can grab your copy using the link below or anywhere books are sold, probably! Happy reading!
xo Bunmi
PS. If you'd like me to review your book, reach out by using the form at the bottom of my homepage.
Your kid can't sit still in church? My couldn't either! He loves a good sermon but needed help locking in so I created My Church Busy Book.
My Church Busy Book helps your child stay present, listening, reflecting, and engaged. There are two pages of prompts for 52 services. It can also work for if your child goes to Sunday School and likes to write.
Read more and get your copy here: https://www.honesttoddler.com/post/for-kids-who-can-t-sit-still-in-church
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