(Walker Books for Young Readers, 2012)
Haven’t we all made fast friends with someone who happens to
be at the same sandbox but actually lives in a distant land (like the suburbs)? Haven’t we all begged to have the toad or the
ladybug in the backyard garden become our newest, most beloved indoor pet? Please,
mom! But why not?! Sometimes staying connected just isn’t
practical.
This book celebrates an unusual friendship, springing from
an immediate bond when Penguin discovers “a curious object” on the ice: Pinecone.
Immediately, Pinecone becomes more than a toy; Pinecone is a
friend. Penguin knits a scarf for his
new friend and wraps it around Pinecone to keep him warm.
Still, something seems to be wrong with Pinecone. Penguin’s grandfather has to explain what is
literally the cold, hard truth: “It’s
too cold here. Pinecone belongs in the
forest far, far away. He can’t grow big
and strong on the ice.”
And so Penguin sets off to take Pinecone to a better
home. The image of Penguin finally leaving
the scarf-clad Pinecone will touch even the most cold-blooded being, especially
since Penguin goes to the trouble of leaving a special message on the ground.
When Penguin grows up, he still wonders about his friend so
he makes the long trek back to the forest.
Once again, the image is precious, as is the book’s final message.
A few times I year, I discover a picture book that I can’t
stop talking about. I share it with
everyone I see. This is one of those
instant treasures. I keep it in my
knapsack and pull it out at Starbucks, before the movie starts and after we’ve
given the waiter our order. (Today, I
took it out while attending a conference and insisted that complete strangers
give it a read. Since they didn’t move
to another table, I assume I didn’t alarm them too much!)
With simple text and uncluttered illustrations, Salina
Yoon’s message is clearly conveyed. I
have a good sense of when people are merely indulging me and when they are
truly entertained. This book has been a
big hit with everyone. You’ll look at
pine cones in an entirely different way...maybe even name one Sally or Chuck. As for me, I just might take up knitting.
Penguin
and Pinecone is
a pure pleasure!
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