An Inspiring and Authentic Tale For Children
Illustrated by: Vesper Stamper
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
Even though I am not a young reader myself, I have always had such fondness and appreciation for any books or series that introduce Jane Austen to young readers and children. It’s never too early, right? A Most Clever Girl by Jasmine A. Stirling presents an honest yet accessible depiction of Jane Austen’s journey with writing – from the early days of her playful Juvenilia to her published novels and acclaim with pertinent details about her childhood, family and major life events.
There is so much I loved about this book, it is hard to know where to start! Most importantly, I loved the theme of Jane Austen finding her voice and the aspirational message of persevering through life’s challenges. In addition, I greatly appreciated the accurate picture Ms. Stirling painted of Jane Austen’s world – illustrating the joyful times, the sad moments, and the realities she faced as a dependent young woman living in the 1800’s. And lastly, I admired the subtle and fitting ways Ms. Stirling utilized Jane Austen’s own quotes in this tale. It was a great way for the reader to recognize Jane Austen’s talent with words for themselves.
As for the illustrations by Vesper Stamper, they are simply marvelous! I love all the detail, thought, and vibrancy of each page. The colors, the flowers, the prints of fabric, the book pages, the of scenes of Steventon and Bath were exceptionally-drawn, imaginative, and beautiful to behold. In addition, I admired how the illustrations always mirrored and aptly expressed the mood of the text. And I especially enjoyed the few images that I believe harkened back to familiar portraits associated with Jane Austen.
A Most Clever Girl is a thoughtfully-composed and exquisitely-illustrated tale about Jane Austen finding her way that will be sure to delight readers young and old! It is evident that this book was crafted together by an author and illustrator who both share a strong affection and appreciation for Jane Austen, her legacy, and her words. I highly recommend!
With the magnificent illustrations in A Most Clever Girl by Vesper Stamper, I thought my review would not be complete without showing a little video preview. I hope you enjoy!
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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
The lovely people at The Children’s Book Review are sponsoring a spectacular giveaway in conjunction with the A Most Clever Girl Blog Tour!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
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A picnic basket filled with:
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A copy of A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice, signed by author Jasmine A. Stirling
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A vintage teacup
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1 oz of tea From Adagio Teas
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Truffles from Moonstruck Chocolates
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Gardenia hand cream
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A set of Jane Austen playing cards
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A $15 gift certificate to Jasmine A. Stirling’s Austenite Etsy Shop, Box Hill Goods
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Two (2) winners receive:
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A copy of A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice, signed by author Jasmine A. Stirling
To enter this giveaway leave a comment on this post and fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
- This giveaway is open to residents in US and Canada.
- This giveaway ends April 16th.
What a lovely book! I always appreciate any book that encourages young people (heck, all people) to find their voice and passion, especially striving writers.
I most definitely loved your video preview, Meredith. It was much appreciated.
Congrats to Jasmine and Vesper on their beautiful book and many thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Absolutely! It is wonderfully inspiring to read about how they all faced challenges and failures before succeeding.
Thanks so much, Lori! I’m really glad to hear it!
Thank you for sharing and for a chance to win those lovely prizes. I would love this book for one of my granddaughters.
This would be such a perfect book for you to share with them!
What a wonderful book! Thank you for the lovely review and video!
My pleasure! Thanks so much for checking out this post!
This looks like a wonderful book! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it, Meredith — especially on how the book portrays the joy and the difficulties of Austen’s life, and how these hopes and challenges helped her develop her voice.
You have such a beautiful way of words, Christina! You just described the main aim of this book so succinctly and eloquently with one sentence!
I would love to read this one to my girls!
Lovely! It is a special book to share!
I’m excited to buy this for my two nieces for Christmas!
Oh yes!! It is such a great gift idea!!
I am so glad you have done another video of a book. Were you playing the piano? The book is stunningly beautiful and would be appropriate for any age.
Oh, I am so glad! I almost didn’t think I should make it. No, it isn’t me playing – but that is a great idea for the next one!
Loved your review and especially the video! I do collect Jane Austen books for children. I have a couple now and would love to add this to my collection so I can read them to my grandchildren. Reading is a life long passion for me and I have encouraged that in my own children and continue with my grandchildren. It opens up new worlds and wonderful opportunities. Thank you!
Thank you, Carole! I do the same!! They are so lovely to look at and enjoy. I always wish such books existed when I was young.
I love hearing that you share you love of reading with your children and grandchildren – that is so special.
I’m not much of a children’s book reader anymore either, but this one sounds delightful! I would love to add it to the Austen section on my bookshelf.
That is a lovely idea! It is a beautiful book to enjoy!
Thank you for this amazing post! I love the video and your wonderful review! I hope everyone enjoys the book, we worked for years to bring it to life. Thank you again!
Thank you for all your work to bring this story to us, Jasmine! Congrats on your lovely release! I am so happy to have read it!!
looks like an adorable book and fabulous giveaway.
denise
So true!! What a lovely goody basket they out together!
What a lovely book and gift set! I would love to gift it to my niece (age 9). I’m the “book” aunt.
No matter the occasion I gift books. Kids today don’t need so many “things” but I love to promote reading, as you can never have too many books.
Aww! I love it! Being the “book” aunt is great! How special to share what you love together!
How lovely! I need to buy a copy for my 5yo daughter…
Yes! This would be a great book to share with her!
I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO READING THIS ONE!
Awesome! Hope you get the chance to read it soon!