REVIEW: Jayne’s Children’s Books Review
When Little Owl Met Little Rabbit by Przemyslaw Wechterowicz
Little Owl and Little Rabbit live in the same oak tree, but they’ve never met. How can the two animals become friends when Little Owl wakes up just as Little Rabbit goes to sleep? A heart-warming story of celebrating difference and making new friends from an USBBY-honored illustrator.
When they discover they are neighbours, Little Owl and Little Rabbit are desperate to meet but Little Rabbit hops through the forest by day and Little Owl soars over it by night. Then one evening, a big, bright full moon appears. Will the pair finally get to play together?
With a sweet and gentle story and magical, moonlit illustrations, When Little Owl Met Little Rabbit is a perfect bedtime read.
The story is sweet and gentle – about two opposite sleeping children (an owl and a rabbit) who hear about each other but have never met. Until … one night they get the chance to become friends. But how do they remain friends when they hardly ever meet? Listen to parents who have good ideas and then follow through, that’s how. Show your friend you care.
Review
This is a nice lesson in making new friendships with others different than you are and working to keep those relationships going. The story is great but the illustrations are delightful and such that children will enjoy studying them to see all the little details – such as the children’s toys. B
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A Flower is a Friend by Frieda Wishinsky
In the garden ecosystem, a flower means many things to each bird, insect, and creature.
What does a flower do? They may not seem active to human eyes, but for the creatures of the garden they dust a bumblebee, shade a frog, feed a hummingbird, and serve as the center of a buzzing, humming, thrumming community.
In A Flower is a Friend, award-winning author Frieda Wishinsky’s spare text whispers softly to readers about the many ways a flower cares for those around it, while award-winning illustrator Karen Patkau’s striking art provides a close-up view of each mouse, frog, and butterfly within a blossom’s embrace. Rich back matter unfurls further information about the partnerships within the garden ecosystem, including the ways these garden creatures are friends to flowers in return.
Review
What a lovely and educational book. The illustrations are gorgeous while showing how animals help protect and cultivate flowers and in return are nurtured by the flowers. Each picture has a simple question about the relationship shown. The answers are given at the end thus allowing time for readers to think and guess the symbiotic importance. This is a great way for everyone to learn and also fun for readers to spot the animals. B
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The Cat That Winked by Anna McClure Sholl
The Cat That Winked is a delightful and enchanting book about a cheeky talking cat with “flexible morals.” But the whimsical plot masks a deeper meditation on kindness in its many forms. Written by Anna McClure Sholl in 1908, this updated and abridged version of the story will appeal to modern readers aged five to fifteen as well as adult fairy-tale fans. With Sholl’s signature wit and engaging storytelling, The Cat That Winked is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed by generations of readers. Whether you’re a cat lover or simply appreciate a good story, this book is sure to captivate and delight. So, curl up with a cup of tea and a cozy blanket, and prepare to be transported to a world of magic and mischief with The Cat That Winked.
Review
This is a reissue of a fairy tale written 115 years ago. Per the editor’s note at the beginning, this is a slightly abridged and annotated version of the story. I’ve not read the original (yet) so I can’t say how abridged it is. The note also states – “There are only two types of literature: books in which cats can talk, and those in which they can’t. This fairy tale is definitely the latter.” This is confusing as in this book, our cat hero definitely can talk.
The story is short, as most fairy tales are, and features two staples – an old, widowed woman (who lives on the edge of a dark wood so also points for that trope) who has a cat. The widow has known love and has endured loss but she’s always been kind. The trouble starts when those to whom she’s been kind forget her and that kindness. What will her cat do to fix that? Well, that’s the clever part as Tommie (whom the woman calls Thomas in serious moments), has a plan which will only rely on the person themselves to decide if what he offers is worth payment for. I will say that all’s well that ends well and the woman, and Tommie, need not ever worry about hunger again. B
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These all look lovely, Jayne!