RED KNIT CAP GIRL AND THE READING TREE

A little girl and her forest friends build the perfect, albeit old-fashioned, library.

In two previous titles, Red Knit Cap Girl talked to the moon and rescued a lost animal. Here, readers see her as a book lover who establishes a library in a “nook,” a hollow in a great tree. With contributions from White Bunny, Squirrel, Hedgehog, Bear and the Birds, its collection of books grows. Beaver has no books, but he builds a shelf. Only Sly Fox lacks the requisite community spirit (he steals a book). The Sheep bring blankets for winter snuggling, while Moon and Owl provide a finishing touch by creating a sign that says “Library.” Once again, Stoop’s acrylic, pencil and ink artwork on plywood provides appealing textures and delicately nuanced colors for daytime, nighttime and the passing seasons. Children will delight in pointing out the many little humorous touches, while parents and librarians will take a quiet and glorious pleasure in sharing a story about books and reading. There is nary a beep to be heard or a flashing light to be seen in this loving ode to the printed page, reading and sharing stories.

All will agree with Red Knit Cap Girl: “It is good to share books.” (Picture book. 3-6)