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Animal Stories

Books as good as Beatrice is clever

By Craig ReemPublished: February, 2005

Animals are a source of endless fascination for children. For one thing, there are endless species with fascinating habits. But animals also provide a quiet acceptance that children crave, and a nonjudgmental, unconditional love. Little wonder that children’s literature is filled with animal stories of every imaginable type. Here are a few favorites this month.

For ages 3-8

Clever Beatrice and the Best Little Pony
Written by Margaret Willey;
illustrated by Heather M. Solomon
(Atheneum Books for Young Readers, hardcover, 32 pages, $16.95)
Beatrice lives in the North Woods of Michigan, and she is the most clever little girl in the region. But there is trouble: Someone is sneaking into the stable at night to ride her beloved pony, Treffle. She seeks the advice of the town breadmaker, Monsieur Le Pain, who also specializes in things not easily explained. He informs her that the pony-riding culprit must be a lutin, which in French-Canadian folklore is an elf of surprising strength who can cause much mischief. Beatrice and Monsieur Le Pain conspire to catch the lutin to keep him away from the pony. It takes a night in the stable and much cleverness on Beatrice’s part to bring the story to a happy conclusion. The book is a nice follow-up to Margaret Wiley’s award-winning “Clever Beatrice.” The plucky heroine and interesting mid-century setting will capture the imaginations of young readers, and the intricate illustrations, rendered in watercolor, collage, acrylic and oil paint, are a delight.

Paisley
Written and illustrated by Maggie Smith
(Alfred A. Knopf, hardcover, 40 pages, $15.95)
Paisley, a stuffed elephant, is a wallflower at Big and Little Toys. Day after day, he sits patiently on the shelf while other toys are selected. But nobody picks him. So he decides to take matters into his own hands and sets off to find himself a perfect match. His travels take him to the city streets, where he faces a fierce dog, high winds and a unplanned excursion through the washer and dryer at the Laundromat. But still, Paisley doesn’t get discouraged and keeps his hopes up for the perfect match that he knows is out there. Maggie Smith’s adorable illustrations will draw children in; the story, which explores what it feels like to be lonely and unwanted, will touch the compassion in everyone.

Tom Cat
Written and illustrated by Noah Woods
(Random House, hardcover, 32 pages, $14.95)
Tom is not your average cat. Instead of saying “meow,” he says “quack,” “arf” and “moo.” And he finds it great fun to play in the mud, swim in the bathtub and store food in his cheeks. He thinks he must be a pig, a duck or a chipmunk because he is just not like other cats. He says he must be the black sheep of the family. But his parents assure him that he is indeed a cat, and they love him no matter what. This is a lovely tale of self-discovery and acceptance by award-winning artist and first-time children’s author Noah Woods. His characters are colorful and simple and will immediately draw in children.

If You See a Kitten
Written and illustrated by John Butler
(Peachtree Publishers, hardcover, 22 pages, $13.95)
If you see a cuddly kitten, of course you say “ahh.” But what do you do when you see a slithery snake, a scary spider or a pudgy pig? This delightfully illustrated book for young children and beginning readers is simply worded, but contains such charming and detailed renderings of animals that children will be delighted.

Milly, Molly and What Was That?
Written by Gill Pittar; illustrated by Cris Morrell
(MM House Publishing, hardcover, 24 pages, $9.95)
In this continuation of the Milly and Molly series, the girls are concerned about Bunty the sheep, who is about to have a lamb. They spend the night in the barn with her so they can give her any help she may need. The barn is anything but peaceful and quiet. There are sounds all night long. Each time there is a new sound, Bunty tells the girls what creature made it and reassures them that all is well. When the girls finally fall asleep, Bunty has her lamb and a surprise for them as well. The illustrations are simple, but the values expressed in the story about being kind and thoughtful of others are points well made.

For all ages

The Encyclopedia of Animals
Written by George McKay, Hugh Dingle, Fred Cooke, Stephen Hutchinson, Richard Schodde, Noel Tait, Richard Vogt
(The University of California Press, hardcover, 608 pages, $39.95)
This terrific full-color volume contains information about more than 2,000 species of animals, from mammals to birds, from reptiles and amphibians to invertebrates and insects. The entries contain detailed explanations as well as locator maps and diagrams. Vulnerable and endangered animals are clearly indicated and discussed as well. This comprehensive work is an ideal reference for those intrigued by the animal kingdom.

Animal Tales: A Little Golden Book Collection
(Random House/Golden Books, hardcover, 320 pages, $14.95)
For Baby Boomers, the stories of the Little Golden Book series are like old friends. “The Saggy Baggy Elephant,” “Animal Friends,” “Mister Dog” and “The Tawny Scrawny Lion” are classics of children’s literature, and the authors and illustrators contained in this collection of 13 stories Margaret Wise Brown, Garth Williams and Gustaf Tenggren among them are among the seminal figures in the field. This wonderful collection contains some of the very best stories for children, and will be turned to again and again.

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