KNITTING NELL

The school life of pleasant Nell was changed when another student told her “she had a voice like a cricket with a pillow over its head.” After that, she rarely speaks, but continues to knit and listen to friends, and then she enters a hand-knit sweater in the county fair. The use of vibrant and complementary watercolors in full-page spreads or in small conversational squares attests to Nell’s bright and giving nature. Figures are stylized with wide faces and stick-like limbs. At the fair, Nell applauds the medal winners and receives a blue ribbon for her sweater. But her family and friends are amazed at her service award from the Mayor. Now, Nell talks with “her happy cricket’s voice,” listens and encourages her knitting friends. Nell’s unusual tenacity and generous way of coping with a bully add enlightenment to an all-too-common occurrence in children’s lives everywhere. (Picture book. 4-8)