Why a good book is a secret door

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Flora and Ulysses

Flora and Ulysses

I originally chose to read Flora and Ulysses because when I was a little girl, my dream was to have a pet squirrel of my very own. I was so obsessed with Alvin and the Chipmunks and other movies with small critters in them, that eventually my mom bought me a “Furr Real Squirrel”! The furry guy was a mechanic toy that bent down, eat or drink his bowl, and lifted it to his own mouth! I wish I could remember what I named him, but it definitely was not a name as cool as, Ulysses. I also loved and connected to this book because the main character, Flora,wears glasses. I have been wearing glasses since Kindergarten and I would have loved an adventurous main character with four eyes like me.

In Flora and Ulysses, the characters are believable in reality and in the world of fantasy. Even though Flora’s new pet is a poem writing, superhero squirrel, her love for her pet is what makes the story believable. This story does not paint a perfect world. Flora doesn’t have the nicest mom, her new friend has a disability, and her parents are divorced, which are relatable for many children. The text’s representation of reality resonates with me off of my own experiences. Although there is a fantasy element of superheros, the reality comes from Flora’s relationships in the book. I can remember my mom hurting my feelings and me going over to my neighbors. I can remember believing in fairytale books so much, that I could feel that the characters were real in my heart. The love Flora has for Incandesto, is the kind of love I had to fairytales. The believability level brought a whole new appreciate to the author for me. Her ability and creativity for explanation and detail made me believe there was a literate, super squirrel, and I adored it.

The attached photo is my exact Furr Real Squirrel!

 

One Reply to “Flora and Ulysses”

  1. I really like how you had a furreal squirrel when you were younger. I loved those toys I had a fluffy furreal cat when I was younger and it was one of my favorite toys. I also can relate to have glasses I have had mine for 9 years.

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