Up the Mountain Path

Canadian writer Dubuc (The Fish and the Cat ), whose gentle work champions friendship and explores life stages, suggests that kindness can become a tradition. In pencil, colored pencil, and watercolor-washed spreads, she introduces Mrs. Badger, who lives in a hobbitlike dwelling and climbs Sugarloaf Peak every Sunday, helping overturned turtles and speaking with acquaintances along the way. On the trail one day, Mrs. Badger senses that she's being watched. "There's enough for both of us, if you're hungry," she says, opening her spotted bindle and addressing the air in front of her. Readers see who's lurking: a young, nervous kitten named Lulu. Lulu joins Mrs. Badger on her Sunday walks, learning about wild plants and making friends. And when Mrs. Badger is too frail to make the trips anymore, Lulu takes over, performing the same kinds of small favors that Mrs. Badger did before her, and inviting a new young friend to trek alongside. Lulu's faithfulness and loving-kindness implicitly honors Mrs. Badger's memory. Hand-lettered text adds homey comfort, and so do small side notes ("little, bare red head" reads a description of a turkey vulture named Will). It is, in essence, a guidebook to amity and exploration. Ages 3-7. (Oct.)

PreS-Gr 2--Mrs. Badger, a badger of advanced years, climbs to a mountain peak every Sunday. On her walk, she greets her forest friends, giving gifts, and offering a helping hand. One day she meets a cat named, Lulu. She invites Lulu to walk to the mountain peak with her. Lulu isn't sure she can make the climb. After they craft the perfect walking stick, they begin to walk together. Lulu asks a lot of questions, and Mrs. Badger teaches her to quietly listen and observe the world around her. From then on, Mrs. Badger and Lulu climb the mountain together. As time passes, it is Lulu who needs to lend Mrs. Badger a steadying hand over the steep spots. Eventually, Lulu must climb to the peak without Mrs. Badger. Softly rendered pencil, colored pencil, and watercolor illustrations of forest scenes capture the grandness of nature, from a tiny hedgehog family to sweeping mountain vistas. Vignettes of the rosy-cheeked Mrs. Badger and her friends in conversation break up the forest illustrations and add interest. The text is in a small font, unassuming and, full of gentle wisdom from Mrs. Badger. VERDICT Mindfulness can be a difficult concept to understand, and this book is thoughtfully crafted to show quiet contemplation and serenity in action. A perfect choice for budding naturalists as well.--Mindy Hiatt, Salt Lake County Library Services