Cress Watercress, written by Gregory Maguire and illustrated by David Litchfield. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House, 2022. $25.99 ages 8 and up

 

"Just then Mama backed her tail out of the knothole
in the hemlock tree. When she turned around and saw
Cress on the ground staring a slab of bear in the eye, 
Mama didn't shriek and she didn't faint. She only 
took the wax plugs out of her ears and said, "I'm 
sorry. I was busy in the back room. How may we 
help you?"

Recently, I have been reading some excellent middle grade novels. The first was Cress Watercress, and it was all I needed to get me going and try to bring order to my TBR pile. An animal fantasy, it is the story of a rabbit family and the bad times that have befallen them. It is also a story told with humor, a keen eye for detail, and rife with the ups and downs of life. 

Early on we learn that Cressida and her family (mother and baby brother, Kip) are moving, following the disappearance of their husband and father. Their search for a new home is made in moonlight. Cress is startled to encounter a fox, its mouth full of recently-killed chicken. That scene makes her wonder if her father might have met the same fate. While her mother knows Papa won't be back, Cress is heartsick to learn they may never know what happened to him. She holds out hope that he will return; should that happen, he won't have any idea where they have gone. It makes her very angry with her mother. 

The basement lodgings at the Broken Arms leaves much to be desired in terms of a new and comfortable home. The dead oak tree has a landlord named Mr. Titus Pillowby Owl, who demands rent of 10 moths a night if they hope to stay. Cress learns that the fox is not her only worry; there is also a snake known as the Final Drainpipe, humans, and a large honey-loving bear. The neighbors are a motley bunch. Getting to know them and their many quirks is a real pleasure for readers and for Cress. She is a carefully drawn character whose anger and fear is handled with empathy and understanding. Her many reckless escapades get her in some trouble. Luckily, friendship affords help when help is needed. She learns tough lessons along the way. Ultimately, she knows that life brings change that cannot be ignored; all she can do is face it with growing assurance.  

The story is expertly told in the deft hands of the remarkable Gregory Maguire. David Litchfield's light-infused artwork brings both setting and characters to glorious life.