Ants are usually a little boring. They’re hard workers but do the same thing all the time and follow the Queen’s rules. But not My ANT MARY.
My ANT Mary is the story of a fiercely independent ant who marches to her own drummer. When the Queen Ant demands that Mary conform and act like every other ant, Mary realizes she needs to leave to find where she truly belongs. She sets out on an amazing world adventure and discovers she’s happiest in a surprising place.
Colorful and creatively illustrated and written for kids ages 4-9, it teaches the value of independence and finding your own path to happiness.
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
Ant Mary doesn’t behave like a “normal” ant, which makes them interesting (in my opinion). As the narrator (ANTony) states on the opening page, they are worried about their best friend because some of the wacky stuff Mary does could land her in trouble. “Could” is the key word here since no harm came to the insect.
Ant Mary’s “wacky stuff” would make perfect questions for the “Would you rather” game. Would you rather climb a tree like ANT MARY or enjoy a lovely picnic? Would you rather live alone in a stinky sneaker or with millions of other people? Would you rather take a nap or go to work? The fun question-and-answer game could continue as readers follow Ant Mary as she scopes out potential new living quarters. For example, would you rather live near a pond filled with chomping alligators or in a zoo with roaring crocodiles?
Ant Mary was not pleased with how the queen dictated how she should act and where she should live. Instead of calmly voicing her concerns, Mary ran away. This story opens a line of communication on the importance of facing your problems and talking things out. It also points out the dangers one might face if they run away. I applaud Mary for Ant Mary thinking of a compromise that made them both happy(ish).
The artist did the impossible; they made ants cute. I adored Ant Mary’s blue hat with the pretty white flower. I also loved the elderly ant in the wheelchair enjoying a cup of tea (or possibly coffee).
One small note: The text on the page where we first meet the queen of ants got lost in the colorful and busy scenery. My eyes wanted to focus on the beautiful artwork, not the white text.
I liked the addition of the ant fact. (Read the story for more information.).I would’ve liked a page dedicated to more ant facts. Help expand kids’ knowledge about the impressive insect—just a thought.
My recommended reading age is 3-9 years.
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2
(Will be rounded to five on Amazon and Goodreads)
Meet the Author
A former copywriter at top New York City advertising agencies, Milt Lowe has won over 60 major awards -including Gold and Silver Lions at the TV Cannes Film Festival – and has written humor pieces for The New York Daily News and Advertising Age. Milt has written four children’s books so far.