Cornbread and Poppy, written and illustrated by Matthew Cordell. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2022. $21.99 ages 6 and up

 

""Don't you remember," asked Cornbread, 
"when I told you to pick your berries from 
Grandma Winkle's farm? 'They're almost 
gone,' I said. And what did you say?"

"'Nah, I'll do it later,'" Poppy said. "But I 
was playing on my swing set!""

I am such a fan of Matthew Cordell. To have him illustrate so wholeheartedly the three chapters in his new book for early readers is a dream. He tells the story of two great friends who look at life in very different ways. Cornbread is diligent about his preparation for the coming winter. He knows that in order to survive, he is going to have to be ready for the cold weather. His foraging holds him in good stead for the long months ahead. Poppy loves adventure, riding her bike, and chooses not to forage at all. In fact, it is winter before she thinks to make any preparations. 

Cornbread is worried about Poppy, realizing that all the food she will need is already gone. He reminds her that he had tried to encourage her to ready herself. Poppy reminds him that she had no time as she was busy enjoying herself, and her favorite activities. No one in their community has any of the food Poppy needs. They must make another plan. Poppy suggests trying Holler Mountain, a place of great danger. 

The next two chapters deal with finding Poppy the food she will need to make it through winter. Though perilous, they make the best of the conditions and, as one might expect, things fall into place for them. Starting with a vegetarian owl, and ending with the very kind Miss Ruthie who enjoys a solitary life on Holler Mountain. It turns out she is very prepared and generous. Home they go! 

Matthew's signature pen and ink and watercolor illustrations are emotional and friendly. Readers who join the two friends in their various adventures will react to the concern, suspense, humor, generosity, and success presented. There is much here to like, and the great news is that there is second book in the series. Cornbread and Poppy at the Carnival is available now. I can't wait to see it!