by Lauren Castillo
Published by Alfred A. Knopf, 2020
110 pages
978-1-5247-6671-9
Ages 4-8
After Hedgehog’s beloved stuffed dog, Mutty, is blown off their
island home during a storm, bereft Hedgehog swims to shore in search of
him. Mole offers a listening ear, comfort and a plan: They’ll ask
sharp-eyed Owl at Lookout Point. Owl asks questions, takes notes, and
suggests they visit Beaver’s dam, where things can easily get caught.
Beaver, who’s wearing Mutty’s red scarf, explains (somewhat defensively)
that he found it in the marsh, which is where the ever-expanding group
heads next. Hen and her Chicks are scavenging in the marsh, and busy
busy Hen has found a picture of Mutty in front of house. At the house
they all meet Annika Mae Flores, a camera-toting, brown-skinned, Latinx
girl who recently moved in. Annika Mae has been looking for her lost
story notebook (Owl may know something about that). She’s also found
someone very important to Hedgehog. Hundred Acre Wood: Meet Hedge
Hollow. Castillo’s sure-handed storytelling in this charming illustrated
chapter book pairs her loose, expressive art style combining bold lines
and warm colors with a narrative full of tenderness, deep feeling, high
drama, humor, and warmth. The tale and its cast of distinctive
personalities is an irresistible combination of words and images that
will appeal to young listeners and independent readers alike. ©2020
Cooperative Children’s Book Center
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