Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Wednesday Book Review: The Glassmaker's Daughter by Dianne Hofmeyr


Book Review: The Glassmaker's Daughter by Dianne Hofmeyr






Hofmeyr, Dianne, and Jane Ray. The Glassmaker's Daughter. Frances Lincoln Childrens Books, 2017.

Recommended age: 5 - 8 years old




This is a beautifully illustrated book, about Daniela, who is always grumpy. 


The story is based in 16th-century Venice, and tells of prominent glassmakers of the time. It includes a short note at the beginning about glassmaking in 16th-century Venice. 

Her father decides to build a palace out of glass for the one who can make her smile. 

Many from far and wide try to build her glass objects to make her smile. 

And still she is not happy! 

One succeeds and makes a very special type of glass. Read to find out! 

This book is gorgeous, however, I did not like the ending where the type of glass that makes her smile is a mirror. As I teach children and have a daughter of my own, I don't like perpetuating the stereotype that women and girls are only what they look like. Other reviewers see it as finding joy from within, and I think that would have to be directly pointed out for most children to understand. 

I think it might be a good addition to an art project on glassmaking, as it does show different items that can be made of glass. I would also have the students write alternate endings, and let the students share their own creativity. Perhaps the alternate ending could be a project with the librarian or language arts teacher, the glass making could be with the art teacher; and a collaborative gallery walk could be the culminating project. 

Thanks for reading! Share your ideas in the comments!

Keep researching,
Mrs. Thakkar