From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 1-All the grassland animals, elephant, jackal, rhino, leopard, lynx, bear and mouse are fighting about who can stand under the tree that only has a few leaves. Elephant decides to take the tree for himself. Eventually the friends work together to beat the heat. There is a moral to the story about kindness, but it is told in a subtle, humorous way. Text and illustrations complement each other. For example, one page depicts the elephant under the tree and on the opposite page his animals friends are laughing uproariously, with the lynx giggling so hard he's on his back. They finally see that under the leafless tree, there is no shade. The elephant is sweltering in the sun, just like the rest of them!" Colorful illustrations add to the lighthearted mood of this title. Inside the title there is also a section where the different animals starting with lynx, let another animal, in this case mouse, rest in their shade. The pages overlap each other and are designed so readers can guess the next animal to offer their shadow before opening to the next page. It offers an opportunity for imagination and conversation. VERDICT Highly recommended for public and school libraries. This is a well written, lyrical story with a message about kindness and cooperation.-Robin Sofge, Prince William Public Library System, VAα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Read more Review "An exquisitely calibrated fable, with a lyrically plainspoken voice, a vivid sense of atmosphere, and deftly choreographed moments of high drama and humor." ―Publishers Weekly, starred review"As in fables of yesteryear, Cao holds a mirror to selfishness as well as to an individual's ability to transcend that tendency. Children will return often to enjoy the interactive opportunities and the harmony that prevails." ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review"Children will enjoy finding the animals... and will appreciate the unselfishness of their considerate acts." ―Booklist"Highly recommended... a well written, lyrical story with a message about kindness and cooperation." ―School Library Journal Read more About the Author Cao Wenxuan grew up in rural China and is now a professor of Chinese literature and children’s literature. He is the author of several celebrated books for young readers, including the novel Bronze and Sunflower, which received three starred reviews. His fluid, poetic prose depicts honest, sometimes raw, and often melancholy moments of life. He has also received significant recognition for his academic research and teaching in the field of children’s literature, and he was the first Chinese author to win the Hans Christian Andersen Author Award.Yu Rong is an award-winning Chinese illustrator of children's picture books, including Tracks of a Panda by Nick Dowson. She is especially known for her use of cut paper in her artwork. Read more
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