by Jean E Pendziwol (Author)
In the stillness of a summer dawn, two siblings leave their campsite with fishing rods, tackle and bait, and push a red canoe into the lake. A perfect morning on the water unfolds, with thrilling glimpses of wildlife along the way.
The narrator describes the experience vividly. Trailing a lure through the blue-green depths, the siblings paddle around a point, spotting a moose in the shallows, a beaver swimming towards its home and an eagle returning to its nest. Suddenly there is a sharp tug and the rod bends to meet the water. A few heart-stopping moments later, the pair pull a silvery trout from the water, then paddle back to the campsite to fry up a delicious breakfast.
The poetic text is accompanied by stunningly beautiful paintings rendered on wood panels that give a nostalgic feeling to the story.
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Evocative, lyrical, perfect. (Picture book. 4-10)
Copyright 2017 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission
PreS-Gr 2--Two siblings, a lush forest, a red canoe, and a love of adventure and exploration. These are the elements that Pendziwol weaves into this stunning book celebrating friendship across the backdrop of the Canadian landscape. Narrated by one of the boys, the story is structured into paragraphs arranged like poetry, with frequent use of rhymes and repetition that gives it an intriguing musical cadence. The text alternates between the pronouns "I," "you," and "we." This rhythm animates the text effectively. The artistic nature of the text is rivaled by the stunning illustrations on wooden panels. Fine acrylic details bring the forest and its animals to life. The artwork is so striking that it will attract even very young children who may not engage with the text. VERDICT A true gem that invites contemplation and reflection in children, who are often too busy to notice the beauty of everyday life. Best shared one-on-one.--Katherine Hickey, Metropolitan Library System, Oklahoma City
Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.