Ailie’s Island by A. Khripko is an endearing tale about a little girl who goes to school for the first time and learns to cope with being separated from her parents.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
However, the time came to leave the Island and start her school life on the mainland. It wasn’t all straightforward for a gifted child with an imagination, accustomed only to sheep, fields, and solitude…
Ailie’s Island, A. Khripko, PDF copy, pg. 3
A. Khripko graduated in mathematics and became a nuclear physicist who was involved in inventing new materials.
He spent many years researching the roots of the Hungarian language.
The author has published two non-fiction books. Allie’s Island is his first children’s book, and he published it in December 2023.
Ailie’s Island – Summary
Ailie lives with her parents on a small island where she can roam free all day. She knows all the animals on the island and has even given them names. But the time has come for Ailie to go to school on the mainland, so she will have to stay with family during the week. The story follows Ailie on her journey to adjust to a different life, attend school, and separate from her parents.
My take on Ailie’s Island
Themes in Ailie’s Island
Ailie’s Island explores many themes, mainly the culture shock Ailie experiences between life on her little island and the different life on the mainland.
Another central theme is the make-believe worlds children create and how real they become to them. The Queen Lizard gives her a feeling of safety and security—something she can hold onto during the week when she stays with Aunt Olivia.
Growing up
This story, which spans only a few weeks, shows us the growing up little Ailie has to do living on the mainland. She must adjust to attending school, having a different life on the mainland, and being separated from her parents.
We see her coping plans, such as looking for a lizard in the garden and asking her mom to keep the light on in the window at night.
Language
The rhythmic quality of the story makes it perfect for reading to your child, and younger children will quickly learn to recognise words repeated through the story.
Children will also learn new words and names like Scotland, North Atlantic Ocean, bay, clan, etc. And they are introduced to life in a different culture.
Should you get Ailie’s Island for your child?
There is something magical about Allie’s life on the island, where she can roam and engage with all the animals. It is a dream life for many children. But they will also associate with the adjustment of starting school and the magic of an imaginary friend.
Ailie’s Island will appeal to both young and old. Its rhythmic quality makes it perfect for reading to your child, and younger children will quickly learn to recognise words repeated throughout the story. Older children will enjoy reading it by themselves.
The simple line sketches help to create a physical representation of the story’s environment.
Please also read my review of The Last Shimmer and Lizzie’s Dream Journal.
Follow А. Khripko
Hi! I am Susan
Welcome to my adventure
Why Read or Rot?
I have started reading at the age of four. I can remember how I often read under the covers with a flashlight when I was supposed to sleep.
During my early school years, we visited the library once a week. I couldn’t pick out my new book fast enough! By the end of the period, I would have finished it already, leaving me with nothing to read for the rest of the week!
Growing up, Fridays was the highlight of my week. Dad would pack the whole family into the car, and off we go! You guessed right – to the library! We were a family of readers.
In my adult years, I’ve developed a variety of interests like technology, photography, gardening and even writing. But reading was and will always be a part of my life!
Reading for me is like breathing. If I cannot read, my soul will quietly rot away…