concentrate on her book.
For my whole entire life,
everything's been too big
for me, she thought.
movie seats
pianos
sinks
doorknobs
car seats"
I guarantee that any young listener will want to stop and talk about the end papers. The front one shows a tiny raccoon struggling in a variety of situations that will be familiar to many of them. Finding ways to get at the cookie jar is a right of passage for toddlers. Juniper's ingenious and tenacious attempts will definitely grab attention before the reading begins. The one in the back is filled with the satisfaction for what she has learned along the way.
A stool is her constant companion. The result of using it in the bathroom ensures a quick smile and a touch of empathy for her plight. She wants to be bigger; her mother assures her that she will grow; there are no quick results. Patience is definitely an asset. She never tires of trying to find a solution to her problem.
The problem is alleviated during school days, where she is of average height. Her new friend Clove, a flying squirrel, takes the prize for being smallest. Juniper quickly discovers that being small does not deter Clove from performing amazing feats. A sleepover at Clove's house is welcomed, and turns out to be a real eye-opener for Juniper. Being 'too big' can also be a problem. The visit puts things in perspective for the young kit.
This is a terrific book for reading aloud. The artwork is energetic, humorous, and a perfect match to the very enjoyable storytelling. Kids are sure to see themselves in some of the action, and certainly in much of the wishing to be different than they are at a particular time.
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