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Review by Pat Hoertdoerfer
Children, Family and Intergenerational Programs Director, UUA
Boston, MA
Feathers and Fur
By Audrey Penn, illustrated by Monica Wyrick
Washington, DC: Child & Family Press, 2000
“Feathers and fur don’t mix!” squawked a pair of
ducks, warning a curious cat to stay away from their nest of eggs. But
Tuesday the cat was looking forward to the mother duck’s eleven
eggs hatching because the older cats had told him “little tasty
ducklings make a yummy catch.” But when a storm puts the eggs
in danger, the cat’s actions have surprising consequences. Ducks
and cat alike learn a valuable lesson about friendship as they overcome
the differences created by their diverse backgrounds.
Sassafras
By Audrey Penn, illustrated by Ruth Harper
Washington, DC: Child & Family Press, 1996
Sassafras is a young skunk that feels different and embarrassed because
he sometimes STINKS. He learns that every living creature has something
about him or her that is different. But different can also mean special
and unique. With the help of family and friends who have problems of
their own, Sassafras learns that his “stink” is what makes
him special. Sassafras teaches us all an important lesson – that
everyone is special in his or her own way. We need to accept one another
and appreciate each other’s special gift.
The Kissing Hand
By Audrey Penn, illustrated by Ruth Harper
Washington, DC: Child & Family Press, 1993
Chester Raccoon doesn’t want to go to school – he’d
rather stay home with his mother. She assures him that he’ll like
school with all the new friends, new toys and new books waiting for
him there. And she has a special secret that’s been in the family
for years – the Kissing Hand. Spreading his tiny fingers, she
kisses his palm, right in the middle. “Chester felt his mother’s
kiss rush from his hand, up his arm, and into his heart.” When
he feels lonely at school, all he has to do is press his hand to his
cheek to feel the warmth and love of his mother’s kiss. Chester
returns the gift to his mother in a wonderful way.
These books are available from the Child Welfare League of America, www.cwla.org. |
