by Jennifer E Smith (Author) Leo Espinosa (Illustrator)
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A creature from the island of Habit learns to break out of routine in this encouraging play-on-words story from YA author Smith (Field Notes on Love). As Habit's sole resident, a large round white creature "with very big teeth. And very big eyes. And very, very big feet" is accustomed to a consistent daily schedule: a meal of three pineapples and two bananas; a friendly tour of the island to hunt seashells and greet the fish, trees, rocks, and a crab; another meal; and a cozy bedtime involving a toothbrush custom-made for his two buck teeth. When a blue "very small creature" unexpectedly arrives, the "very big creature" is initially shocked that the traveler doesn't want to stick to the program--evidently preferring to eat coconuts and oranges, build sandcastles, and vary his sleep schedule. Before long, though, the free-spirited visitor's unusual activities and unpredictable schedule tempt the change-averse creature, opening his eyes to pleasures he'd overlooked and inviting him to occasionally do things differently--a final moment under the stars suggests that different can even be wondrous. Employing tropical hues, digital illustrations by Espinosa (No More Naps!) have a hip screen-printed quality that playfully freshens up Smith's familiar message about staying open to change. Ages 3-7. (Oct.)
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