When Papa doesn't return from a nocturnal honey-gathering expedition, Cress holds out hope, but her mother assumes the worst. It’s a dangerous world for rabbits, after all. Mama moves what’s left of the Watercress family to the basement unit of the Broken Arms, a run-down apartment oak with a suspect owl landlord, a nosy mouse super, a rowdy family of squirrels, and a pair of songbirds who broadcast everyone’s business. Can a dead tree full of annoying neighbors, and no Papa, ever be home?
Gregory Maguire, the bestselling author of Wicked, turns his trademark wit and wisdom to an animal adventure about growing up, moving on, and finding community. In the timeless spirit of E. B. White and The Wind and the Willows — yet thoroughly of its time — this read-aloud and read-alone gem for animal lovers of all ages features an unforgettable cast that leaps off the page in glowing illustrations by David Litchfield. This tender meditation on coming-of-age invites us to flourish wherever we find ourselves.
"Maguire’s narrative offers wry puns, rich vocabulary, and entertaining dialogue, and Litchfield’s glowing, slightly stylized, full-color illustrations present an enchanting, magical peek into this woodland world. Cress’ personality is nicely realized as a child on the cusp of growing up as she deals with sorrow, crankily takes responsibility for Kip, and argues with her mother (who, like Little Women’s Marmee, puts her own anger in check to step up for her children). The anthropomorphized world feels true to itself and to the animal natures inhabiting it. Warmhearted and utterly charming." — Kirkus Reviews
Recommended Age | 8 - 12 |
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Author | Gregory Maguire |
Illustrator | David Litchfield |
ISBN | 1536211001 |
Publication Date | Mar 29, 2022 |
Publisher | Candlewick |
Language | English |