Book Review: The Tree: A Fable

THE TREE: A FABLE by Neal Layton is a heartwarming story about animals and people living together in nature.

Although this picture book contains few words, it tells a powerful story of empathy and compassion. When a couple decides to build a house, they discover their land is already populated by animals. The couple decides to find a way to live with their new neighbors.

Librarians will find this timeless book provides an excellent springboard for creative writing activities focusing on empathy and nature. It would also be a refreshing way to introduce the idea of fables.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.neallayton.co.uk.

Published by Candlewick on February 14, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Pax

PAX by Sara Pennypacker is a powerful animal fantasy exploring the journeys of a boy and his fox.

With his mother dead and his father going off to war, twelve-year-old Peter is forced to abandon his pet fox Pax and go live with his grandfather hundreds of miles away.

This gripping story is told in alternating chapters through the eyes of Peter and Pax as they try to survive in their new worlds and reunite with each other. Whether caring for his new companions or treasuring his toy soldier, the author is most successful when speaking through the eyes of Pax.

Librarians will find that this story of companionship, survival, and redemption is sure to capture the hearts of middle grade readers. While some youth may enjoy the fable-like, timeless quality, others may find this lack of specificity annoying.

From the flowing narrative to the simple illustrations, this heartbreaking tale has the makings of a classic.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.sarapennypacker.com/.

To learn more about the illustrator, go to http://jonklassen.tumblr.com/.

Published by Balzer and Bray, an imprint of Harper Collins on February 2, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Greenling

GREENLING by Levi Pinfold is a beautifully illustrated picture book fable.

Designed for the middle grades, this thought-provoking ecological fantasy features a mysterious green baby who stimulates plant growth and the power of nature wherever he goes. This story of the connection between people and the natural world will promote lots of student discussion.

Librarians will want to add this title to their growing collection of picture books for older youth.

To learn more about the author/illustrator, go to http://www.levipinfold.com/.

Published by Templar, an imprint of Random House on February 23, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.