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Saturday, October 13, 2018

Up The Mountain Path, written and illustrated by Marianne Dubuc. Princeton Architectural Press, Raincoast. 2018. $23.95 ages 5 and up

"On this sunlit Sunday,
Mrs. Badger has a
companion on the trail.
Careful, it's slippery. 

Why do trees have leaves
To greet the sun. 
Where are the ants going?
Where the road leads them. 

Lulu asks a lot of questions."

Mrs. Badger loves to hike. She makes her way to Sugarloaf Peak every single Sunday. She is happy to see other creatures along the way, and often stops for a quick chat. It is her habit. Then, one Sunday, she feels the presence of someone else. She invites the small cat to share her food and her resting place. The cat is fearful and too frightened to attempt climbing the mountain that Mrs. Badger climbs so successfully each week.

"I'm too small." 

For Mrs. Badger, nothing is impossible.

"I was your age when I climbed the
mountain for the first time."

But sometimes it's hard to have faith."

Off she goes, leaving her young acquaintance sitting on her own. The cat really seems to want to join her, and does. Mrs. Badger enjoys the company, and shares her knowledge with her young companion, Lulu. Their trip is informative, and tiring. But, they make it to the top. It becomes their Sunday ritual. Lulu grows more confident and knowledgeable through Mrs. Badger's patient tutelage. Soon, Lulu is the one lending support. Finally, Lulu walks the path alone. She returns each time to share stories with her mentor, and enjoys those solitary journeys ... until the day she meets a young rabbit.

"I have a wonderful place to show you." 

Using pencil, colored pencil, and watercolor washes, Ms. Dubuc provides a winning natural environment for her characters and their adventures on the mountain. This is a warm and loving account of friendship, love of nature and patient guidance.

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