Purple Hair? I Don't Care!

Christine Linge MacDonald is a Toronto-based freelance writer.

The doctor in a quasi-medieval town informs Mrs. Della Ragon that her
baby will have various shocking features, such as purple hair and blue
wings. To each pronouncement, the mother, hidden from our view in the
doctor’s examination room, replies that she will love her baby, come
what may. As the list of horrors grows, the townspeople become more
shocked and frightened by the image of the baby forming in their
imaginations. To their universal relief, and our amusement, we discover
on the last page that the patient is a pregnant dragon.

The story builds to the surprise ending by the much-favored technique
of accumulating verse, wherein each new feature of the baby is added to
a growing list, and the whole list is repeated before another feature is
added. With its catchy rhymes and consistent rhythm, the chant will
easily be learned by the reader (or audience), and will encourage
rereading even after the element of surprise has faded.

While not attempting to provide historical accuracy, Hartmann’s
illustrations are intriguing, and the large portrait of Mrs. Ragon,
great with child and full of joy, is worthy of the build-up. Children
cannot fail to absorb the “One man’s meat is another’s poison”
and “Have all the facts before you pass judgment” lessons.
Recommended.