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Monday, February 8, 2021

Sloth Went, written by Adam Lehrhaupt and illustrated by Benson Shum. Bloomsbury, Raincoast. 2020. $24.50 ages 4 and up


"It's your big day," 
Butterfly said. 'How's it going?"

I don't think I'm gonna
make it," Sloth grumbled.

"It's okay if you don't,"
said Butterfly.
"

Following up on Lenny's story from yesterday where a sloth was one of the smelly animals he met, I thought I would share this tale of a young sloth whose trip to the bottom of its tree is a source of concern. Uncertain and worried, he needs cheering on as he descends the tree for the very first time. Momma does her best to let him know he will be fine. She promises a surprise when he gets back.

The trip is painfully slow. Along the way he meets Butterfly who assures that it will be fine even if he doesn't make it. Trying is the important thing. Moving ever downward, Sloth meets Frog who understands what is happening, and the angst that comes from trying something for the first time. On the ground, Sloth makes haste (even passing a turtle) to the marked spot. He does what he has come to do and, with great happiness, heads back home to share that joy. 

"I WENT!"

Every week, from that day until the end of his life, Sloth will make the same trip. Little ones will love when they learn it is a 'poop' story, without it being totally evident. The author follows her enjoyable tale with The Real Sloth Poop Adventure, allowing readers to get a true picture of sloth life. Benson Shum adds humor and empathy for a young animal learning about life. The expressive faces as he does his business, his happy dance when he has succeeded, and his fairly quick ascent to spread joy is a just-right ending for a new adventure.

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