Yours in Books~Julie Falatko & Gabriel Alborozo

Owl T. Fencepost just wants quiet. So he writes a letter to B. Squirrel at the bookshop asking for various (funny) ‘how to’ books to make his world a more peaceful place. But the bookshop is out of each of Owl’s requests and so B. Squirrel begins to send him books she feels he might be enjoy.

Solely through their letter-writing, the reader notices their friendship blossoming. Owl’s formal full-name signature becomes, just “Owl”. And B. Squirrel morphs into a much friendlier, “Bessie”. Owl writes to Bessie complaining about the loud children wanting him to read to him. So, Bessie sends, “Crafts Children Can Do While You Nap on the Couch”. The friendship flourishes, the book suggestions invite community interaction, and before you know it— they are all having a fabulous tea party and Owl even dances!

The letters are so clever and witty. Perfect kid-humor. Bessie gently nudges Owl out of his shell by showing friendship and kindness. It all feels seamless, subtle, organic and kids will love going along for the journey.

The book is very tall and skinny with a gorgeous, heavy matte jacket (make sure you undress this one!). The illustrations are as captivating as the text. Lots of sweet details and darling critters. A map on the front end pages of the forest, a little Winnie-the-Pooh-esque nod? The back ends show everyone noisily playing underneath Owl’s tree. An arrow with “Town and Bookshop” points back inside the book.

This is just darling on every single level. Beautiful to look at, fun and fuzzy to read, and the gift of a sweet and memorable take-away at the end.

I hope that you read and enjoy this lovely tale.

Yours in Books,

Jennifer Black Reinhardt

Jennifer is the illustrator and author of several acclaimed picture books. Most recently is Always by My Side, 'A Stuffie Story', which she wrote and illustrated. She also is both the author and illustrator of Playing Possum, and Blue Ethel. Jennifer illustrated Gondra’s Treasure, written by Newbery award winner Linda Sue Park. As well as, Sometimes You Fly, by Newbery medalist, Katherine Applegate. She illustrated Yaks Yak, Animal Word Pairs by Linda Sue Park, The Inventor's Secret, What Thomas Edison Told Henry Ford, by Suzanne Slade, Rabbi Benjamin's Buttons, by Alice B. McGinty, and The Adventures of a South Pole Pig, by Chris Kurtz.

16 Comments:

  1. Thank you for the invitation to enjoy this endearing book! i look forward to reading it.

  2. I love this book! Truly. 🙂 It’s so delightful and I love the book-community aspect of the whole thing.

  3. So cute and clever! Looking forward to reading this book.

  4. Books + celebrating with friends = perfection!

  5. Oh, I’ve always loved letters and this is such a beautiful love letter to friendship. All the animals are so adorable too. Thank you. I’m definitely picking this one up.

  6. Yay! Make way for letter writing in picture books. Another fun approach. Animal characters are perfect for this book. congrats!

  7. Lisa Frenkel Riddiough

    Oh, this book looks absolutely adorable! And so clever! Just wonderful.

  8. Jilanne F Hoffmann

    Letters and books? I’m in! And the illustrations are so sweet!

  9. Elizabeth W Saba

    Can’t wait to read this one!

  10. Thanks for introducing me to this book!…I. AM. IN. LOVE. WITH. IT!

  11. What a darling concept for a picture book! Love the character names, too!

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