Let's Hear It For The Critters

Let's Hear It For The Critters

Picture books
Recently while shelving at Orono Public Library I came upon two
made to be read aloud picture books. Both involve truly memborable
varmints. Both also boast truly distinctive illustration styles that
blend perfectly with text to create irrisistable works of literature.
I'm sure any of us who count four footers as family members have
experienced these beloved critters on their less that perfect behavior
days. (Joey has shed on and shredded objects and had toileting
accidents.) That's the situation in John Grogan's Bad Dog, Marley!
When Cassie and Baby Louie's parents give in to their passionate pleas
for a puppy, Daddy brings home a tiny yellow furball who doesn't stay
little for long. The bigger he gets, the more trouble he gets into.
When he shreds the sofa the family decides he has to go.
Or does he?
Despite modern details like a microwave, Richard Cowdrey's
richly detailed illustrations have a decidedly 1960's flavor. Think
Dick and Jane (and of course Spot) with attitude. I can't imagine a
parent-child duo reading this lively tail without a whole lotta
laughter.
Carol P. Saul's Barn Cat is a very delightful counting book.
Its quite handsome feline star lingers at the barn door. As growing
numbers of varmints (3 butterflies, 6 dragonflies) loiter around her
domain, she naps and grooms and lets them go on their merry way. (She
does bark at the 8 playful puppies). Don't be misled by her display
of blasé. That fine finicky feline is waiting on something special
and not about to settle for less. Mary Azarian's robust yet delicate
wood carvings perfectly carry the farm setting and the spirit of the
book.
On a personal note, sadly Tuesday was the last day of Orono Community
Garden's delivery to our clients. We've been in growth mode. By the
end of the summer we were giving veggies to about 60 senior
households. The last day was made memorable by the children in my
friend, Pat's cooking and gardening class. They were harvesting the
fine carrots they had grown for our veggie bags. They were so excited
and thrilled and proud! When kids beg to sample carrots and are
delighted to take their favorites home that is a very good thing.
It's why we need school gardens. Getting kids (and maybe parents)
hooked on real food is something we should all strive for.
A great big shout out goes out to all who put up with the sometimes
annoying nuances of our beloved four footed friends.
Julia Emily Hathaway


Sent from my iPod