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Reviewed by Karen Cioffi for the National Writing for Children Center

Title: Melissa and the Green Blanket
Author: Julie S. Dobbins
Music by: Craig Dobbins
Illustrated by: David Moon

What’s the telltale mark of a wonderful children’s book or CD? The answer to this is easy, when a child requests to read it, or hear it, over and over and over…

Melissa and the Green Blanket is just such a CD. Along with the audio, Dobbins includes a small booklet with simple black and white illustrations. Dabs of green are used for the blanket. While the illustrations are simple, they hold the child’s attention.

I played Melissa and the Green Blanket for my 3-year-old grandson while we looked at the corresponding pages in the booklet – he was engrossed. He asked to listen to it five times! And, he had to look at the booklet while we listened. Not much else needs to be said about this CD/book’s child appeal.

The story is about a little girl who loves, and relies on, her green security blanket. One day, she can’t find her special, make-me-invisible and protect-me-from-monsters, blanket. The search is on… and Mom to the rescue.

What is especially beneficial with stories in this format, is that the parent, guardian, grandparent, or other, doesn’t have to read a story over and over – the author/teller does it for you. Along with an engaging and entertaining story, Dobbins voice is soothing and expressive, as is the accompanying music. I highly recommend Melissa and the Green Blanket.

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Karen Cioffi is an author and freelance writer. You can learn more about Karen at: karencioffi.com/media-page. Join her mailing list at DKV Writing 4 U and receive a special gift: Writing, Publishing, and Marketing – You Can Do It!
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