“Once upon a time” is a simple phrase composed of four small words. Yet when used together, these four words have the power to draw us into the magical world of make believe. Imagine, if you will, a book in which each of the chapters begins with this powerful phrase. The Milly Molly Mandy Storybook by Joyce Lankester Brisley is just such a book. It is the best book for transitioning into the reading of chapter books.
Milly Molly Mandy, whose real name is Millicent Margaret Amanda, lives with her Father and Mother and Grandpa and Grandma and Uncle and Aunty in a nice white cottage with a thatched roof. Each member of the family has an important role to fulfill that helps the family in some way. Accordingly, Milly Molly Mandy’s role is to run errands for the other family members. Her errands take her throughout the small village where they live. The inside cover of the book features a black and white map of the village. In such a fun way, you can follow the map on each of Milly Molly Mandy’s errands and adventures.
Each chapter contains a stand alone story. In many of the stories, Milly Molly Mandy is doing life with her family. But we also get to meet the villagers and her own particular friends Billy Blunt and Little Friend Susan. On a personal note, Milly Molly Mandy Keeps Shop is my favorite chapter. Miss Muggins, the shopkeeper, must go out on important business but she cannot leave her shop unattended. Consequently, she leaves Milly Molly Mandy in charge for about an hour. In a very responsible fashion, Milly Molly Mandy serves the customers who enter the shop. Imagine the surprise of her friends when they enter the shop and find Milly Molly Mandy in charge instead of Miss Muggins.
Once you make your way through the Milly Molly Mandy Storybook, you will undoubtedly be left longing for more. The fun and adventures continue in a second book by Joyce Lankester Brisley called More Milly Molly Mandy. The stories contained in this volume follow the same format with each chapter beginning with the phrase “Once Upon a Time” and drawing to a conclusion by the end of the chapter.
I cannot recommend the Milly Molly Mandy series by Joyce Lankester Brisley highly enough. It showcases all of the beauty of living within a family and also in the context of a trusted community. It does depict life at a slower pace, and it also shines with the joy of simple pleasures. To me, it is a representation of childhood at its best. Enjoy these delightful books.