Hettie didn’t mean to. She’s really glad it worked, but she didn’t mean for her storm wish to be quite so… stormy!
But when the sky had stopped being so angry, Hettie had a new neighbour. She’d wished for one of those too, and that wish didn’t go so well either. Instead of someone her age to play with, the new person was a cranky old woman with a cane. It’s not long however that Hettie decides Ada is better than nothing and they get to know each other.
There is a lot of toing and froing between front doors, and much discussion about everything and nothing, but they find a place in the middle where they can get along.
Ada always carries an intriguing envelope in her pocket, that Hettie’s curiosity just won’t leave alone. She also wants to know why Ada goes all alone on long walks around the city. When she learns Ada has a pouch to collect tiny pieces of happiness, Hettie begins to realise Ada isn’t all grumpiness and grouches. She has a beautiful way of seeing life too.
They are also both fascinated in reports of a panther in the area, but for completely different reasons. When Ada finally reveals her secrets, Hettie is in awe. What follows is not only wonderful for them, but their entire community.
Just like the cover and the title, this story is delightful. Friendship between a cranky old woman who likes to wave her walking stick about, and a little girl bored with the summer holidays makes a funny, heartfelt, wonderful read.
The contrast between these two characters is what makes things interesting, and the fact that although the little girl lives with her mother, the story focusses only on her and their new neighbour. Add a stray cat, the mystery of a panther slinking through the streets at night and not only memories from long ago, but making new ones, and you have A Small Collection of Happinesses.
I loved the crotchetyness of Ada and how Hettie’s exuberance and imagination soothed her sharp edges. Equally, Ada showed Hettie a new world of wonderful with the little things in life and gave her someone to have adventures with – big and small.
I think I’ll read this all over again, just because it’s a story to fill up hearts with joy.
Looking for a funny, sweet, enjoyable read aloud? This is it!
Author – Zana Fraillon
Illustrator – Stephen Michael King
Age – 7+
(2024, Lothian Children’s Book, Hachette, Friendship, Storm, Young & Old, Panther, Big Cat, Mystery, Memories, Love, Animals, Stray Cat, Humour, Funny, Delightful, Sweet Story, Old, Young, Relationships, Gardens, Art)