Something Special for Me

I discovered this book in 1986. As I read it, I was astounded by how much the book mirrored by wife's life. Rosa, my wife played the accordion and was introduced to the instrument almost in the same manner that the character of Something Special For Me was. My wife died of cancer on March 23, 1999,and every time I read the copy that I gave her I cry. Thank you Ms. Williams! All of my wife's friends will receive a copy of Something Special For Me.

I purchased "A Chair For My Mother," and this is the follow-up to it. I'm happy that the story continues later, too. Great to follow a fictional family in this way.

The kids loved the book.

This story is absolutely fabulous! The illustrations are great and the book teaches kids about saving money to buy something special. The child in the story looks at several things and finally deicdes what would be the best present to purchase. Best of all, most of the money she spends comes from a jar of coins - this is a wonderful follow-up to the equally charming story "A Chair for my Mother" also written by Vera B. Williams.

super great story

About a child who is struggling with the decision of what to buy with the birthday money her family has saved. She is tempted to buy items that her friends have and other things that she impulsively likes at the store, but decides to wait and think about her decision. She wants their hard-earned money to be for something truly special. With patience, she finds something that inspires her and is happy with her decision. A very sweet story with a great message. My 5-year-old is having a hard time deciding how to spend tooth fairy money and she loved this book! The loving and supportive family dynamic makes it extra wonderful.

This story revolves around a girl, her mom and grandmother. The dilemma involves what the girl is going to buy for her birthday. It had the potential to be a nice story but never really took off. There are some unfortunate elements like references to bathroom functions and superstitious wishes. The art work leaves a bit to be desired as well. All in all, there's not much inspiring about this one.

ビンの中に溜まったお金で誕生日に好きなものを買ってもらえることになったけれど、そのお金の大切さを知っているからこそ、本当に欲しいものは何かと考えて泣きだすほど迷って、そして、とうとう本当に欲しいものに出会います。子供の気持ちにじっくりと丁寧に向き合う家族や親戚や周りの人々の姿勢に、とても温かい気持ちになれる本です。'A CHAIR FOR MY MOTHER'、'SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR ME'、'MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC'とお話がつながっていますので、この順番に読まれることをお薦めします。段々と絵本の中のRosaが成長していくのも楽しいし、前のお話からの繋がりを絵の中に見つけて嬉しくなったりもします。３冊ともとても素敵です。日本語版「かあさんのいす」を数年前に本屋さんで見つけて娘が気に入って買いました。英語教室の多読教材を探していて、その英語版を求めたところ、この３冊に出会えました。