"From the windows, they would like to see
clouds and a tree in the backyard.
A tree filled with apples ...
crunchy, juicy apples, so that they can
bake apple pies."
What better way for Claudia Rueda to release a new series than with a cast of appealing critters whose life work at the moment is to show readers what constitutes the perfect home for them? Ten named characters: Leo, Opie, Ook, Dog, Tippi, Iona, Puff, Ki, Moe and Bloo offer their ideas. By listening well and watching carefully, they are sure to become familiar to those who are enjoying their story.
Working together right from the start of the day, they are trying to find a house. What will it have to have for it to be the just right place for settling? First, it needs to be filled with light. Large windows will help those living inside to see what is important on the outside. There should a tree in the yard, and clouds in the sky. That tree should be an apple tree, perfect for picking with branches for relaxing to read. Those apples will be used for many baked apple pies.
A nearby path will provide a place for scooter rides that will ultimately take them to a nearby playground. Long grass there will give cover for hiding games, and green grass all around will welcome those who love picnics or a quiet spot for reading. An ice cream cart, rain puddles for splashing, even a library for borrowing wagonloads of reading material, and big blank walls for doodling would all be helpful. Cleaning supplies, a warm, sudsy bath time and comfy beds for reading those new library books re needed at the end of the day. The final absolute necessity is a family of cooperative and happy Smushkins!
Their list may be quite long; it is carefully considered for it to be the best space it can possibly be for all. It will surely encourage eager young listeners to dream of their own perfect place in this world. The text is spare, the illustrations full of fun and the belief in the young to use their imagination to express their personal thoughts for how they want to live. What fun!
Be prepared to read it more than once.
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