"I missed the shooting stars
because I go to bed too early.
I missed picking the first apple
because I am too short.
And now
I missed the deer. "
Must everything be missed because of a child's age and size? The little one at the heart of this warm tale is like so many other young children. They miss out on the many adventures that others have because they are small - and young. Is that fair?
As she recounts those events she has missed, and while her mother is busy, she slips outside to find the deer. Her mother watches her go. With a sugar lump in her pocket, she ventures into the surrounding woods. Quietly she walks, listening very carefully for any signs of movement.
"Whish ... I hear something.
Is that the deer behind the apple trees?
No, it's just some leaves,
dancing down.
Flick! I see a flash of brown.
Is that the deer?"
No, it's just our neighbor's dog,
come to say hello.
Shhh, Nala."
Each small sound is met with the hope that she is finally going to come face to face with the deer. A dog, a bird, a squirrel ... never the deer. She sits to wait. When she finally does see something, it is not the deer. Instead, it is an even more beautiful surprise. It is a secret she keeps, as she goes home to have morning pancakes with her mother.
Elly MacKay created her amazing art using ink, paper and light. The natural world that surrounds the young narrator as she journeys beyond her own yard is enticing and filled with warmth. Single and double-page spreads, variety in perspective, and the earthy tones of the natural world are perfect for a small child seeking independence and discovery.
My granddaughters (ages 5 and 7) have an abiding love for all animals, and are often captivated by the fawns they see in their own British Columbia backyard. They will have a great love for this book!
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