The Twist-a-Roo

December 1, 2023

PreS-Gr 2-Badger has the shiny-object problem of a crow-and worse, the attention span of a gnat. She finds a kaleidoscope while exploring in "people town," and can't wait to show it to her fellow forest-dwellers, all charmingly imagined and portrayed by Litten. But Porcupine is preoccupied with the coming snow, and Beaver thinks Badger would be better off insulating her sett for the cold. In other words, Badger is the grasshopper in this upcycled Aesop, surrounded by ants who are preparing for winter. The plot ticks along, and Badger faces winter alone, down to her last log and with a very hungry tummy. That's when the others, with a case of the winter blues, descend on her sett with food and warm blankets, ready for a peek at that kaleidoscope and the presents Badger made in her spare time. Whimsical wintry scenes keep the story from becoming too scary, and the scene of friends streaming in is joyfully satisfying. VERDICT Does there always have to be a comeuppance when a little caution will serve? This book will inspire discussions among children about who is right; with airtight pacing and a beautiful ending, it's sure to be a story hour favorite.-Kimberly Olson Fakih

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

A badger eager to brighten her winter learns the value of preparation (and good friends) in Doherty's picture book. In this spin on the fable of the grasshopper and the ants, Badger is getting ready for the snowy season; she "didn't want to suffer through another dull, dark winter." She travels to town in search of something bright. There, she discovers a kaleidoscope--a Twist-a-Roo--that captivates her imagination. Eager to share it, she visits Porcupine and Beaver, both of whom are too busy with their winter preparations. Badger is so distracted by her desire to share the Twist-a-Roo's beauty that she makes gifts instead of preparing for the coming chill. As she works, winter arrives, and she's cold and hungry--until her friends show up with supplies, eager for some beauty to chase away the winter blues. Doherty balances Badger's foolishness with her kindheartedness. She isn't just avoiding work; she wants to share something wonderful with her friends. The community's acknowledgment of beauty's value is a wonderful counterpoint to the traditional fable, and their willingness to help their friend in order to share that beauty gives it a much happier ending. Litten's illustrations blend cartoons and painted images to depict a delightful host of woodland creatures; the word-to-text ratio makes each page approachable for independent readers. A fun--and kinder--reinvention of an old tale.

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