THE LITTLE BLUE BRIDGE

Trolls come in different sizes and species—as enterprising Ruby and her three brothers are about to find out.

How are they going to pick pails of blueberries for their pie if Santiago the bully won’t let them cross the creek? Each of the three brothers throws the one behind under the proverbial bus in order reach the berries. When it’s Ruby’s turn to cross Santiago’s log, she has another idea. Rather than hand over her nonexistent snack as a toll to the trollish lad, she relies on her creativity and problem-solving skills. With a blueprint, tools, and supplies, Ruby’s ingenuity—and Santiago’s surprising cooperation—manifests as a blue wooden bridge spanning both creek and misunderstandings. What could the toll be for crossing Ruby’s bridge? Pie! Following The Little Red Fort (2018), Maier and Sánchez are back with another bicultural take on a favorite folktale: “The Three Billy Goats Gruff.” The feisty Latina protagonist, red boots and all, is still being sidetracked by her older brothers and the bully of the creek, but, as in the prior book, neither Ruby’s size nor gender is an obstacle to success. Along with succinct dialogue, the refrain’s internal rhymes make for a fun read-aloud experience. Barcelona-born Sánchez’s familiar, bold illustrations form a delightful backdrop to the repurposed story, from the irate bridge bully to the stymied sibling triumvirate.

Readers will happily discover that trip-trapping to friendship and cooperation is indeed a pie-worthy prize.