FORGET-ME-NOT

Monty the elephant has never seen the forget-me-nots that follow the rains, but he knows they are blue. So when he finds a broken blue bucket under a tree he is excited that he has finally found the beautiful flower that will help him remember to stay with the herd and never forget his mother’s love. But when he looks up, the herd is gone. Other groups of animals he meets point out the importance of staying with the herd (or flock, mob or colony, depending on the critter’s lingo)—it provides shelter and a home and looks out for its members, especially during the rains. The ending, while not surprising, is nonetheless satisfying. Broad’s digital mixed-media illustrations provide plenty of texture and variety—crackle on the elephants and tree trunks, cartoon-like bugs, photocollaged forget-me-not flowers—resulting in an interesting mix of realism and fantasy. The charming illustrations and sweetness of the tale are sure to appeal to young listeners, who will be quick to remember their own mothers’ love with each glimpse of a blue flower (or bucket). (Picture book. 3-7)