Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A bear in a red scarf trudges through a snowy forest when a cold wind carries the scarf away ("Lost"). The scarf is quickly discovered by two raccoons ("Found"). Except for a few well-placed sound effects, these two alternating words make up the whole of Arnold's (Roar of a Snore) text, while Cordell (First Grade Dropout) draws a forest full of comedy with scribbly lines that wobble, twist, and leap. The raccoons play tug-of-war with the scarf until one lets go; "chit! chit!" the other scolds. A snowball is thrown, a chase begins, and the scarf becomes everything from a turban to a mouse trampoline. When all of the animals rediscover the scarf at the same time, they pounce, and it's mayhem and destruction, with mountains of red yarn everywhere. The way the animals make things right with the scarf's original owner adds sweetness to the mix, but it's the giggly impulsiveness of the forest's wildlife that provides the entertainment-the effect is half nature documentary, half Marx Brothers. Ages 3-6. Author's agent: Karen Grencik, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator's agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (Nov.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-A woolly red scarf floats through the wintry air in a forest filled with animals. The scarf is sent on an eventful escapade as it enters and escapes the custody of a series of wily woodland creatures. A raucous and humorous tale of sharing and working together, the story is comprised of only two words used again and again-lost and found-with some onomatopoeia accompanying the pictures. This simplicity is perfect for allowing the art to tell the story. The palette is mostly made up of shades of red, green, and light blue, with black outline on stark white paper, and the depth and boldness of the watercolors intensify in the last few pages. While the theme of camaraderie and respect for others is saved for the end, the journey to get there is packed with action and humor that will keep kids turning the pages. VERDICT The attention to detail and the expressions displayed on the animals' faces are superb. A fun addition to any picture book collection.-Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
A bears red wool scarf is carried off by a strong gust of wind (Lost). Two quarrelsome raccoons spy the scarf lying in the snow (Found); they get into a tiff and run off squabbling, leaving the scarf behind (Lost). Next, a beaver finds it and dons the scarf as headgearuntil its snagged by a low-hanging branch and lost again. With one of the two title words on most pages (there are also some well-placed wordless pages), this effectively paced story plays out in Cordells lively but spare pen-and-ink and watercolor pictures (occasional silly sound effects included). The book invites participation, and young listeners will quickly catch on to the narrative pattern. The scarf is found and lost five more times by various woodland creatures who tug, pull, squeeze, swing on, jump on, and brawl over it. Its at this point that the rightful owner re-enters the story: the bear finds the scarf completely unraveled but doesnt lose hope. Along with some contrite-looking critters, the bear gathers the yarn and knits a new scarf, one that brings everyone togetherin friendship. The final cozy, color-drenched scene (a departure from the preceding white-dominated pages) shows the characters sitting companionably around a nighttime campfire connected by the scarf, which fits everyone perfectly. Pair this with Kaszas Finders Keepers (rev. 9/15) for more lost-and-found accessory fun. kitty flynn (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Just two words (and many amusing sound effects) form the text of this visually driven story about conflict resolution, resourcefulness, communityand a red scarf.When a bear loses its red scarf on a blustery day, two raccoons find it and engage in a tug of war. Then one raccoon hits the other with a snowball in retribution, and they both abandon the scarf and take off after each other. The scarf is once again "Lost," only to be "Found" again in short order by an industrious beaver who wears it like a turban. Alas, when the scarf snags on a branch overhead (it is a very tall turban), the scarf is yet again "Lost." And so continues the story, with Cordell's humorous illustrations depicting various animals finding and losing the scarf until they all come together at book's end with a pile of yarn at their feet. The scarf is ruined, but all is not lost: the animals gather up the yarn, and the bear begins to knit. Then the beaver lends a hand while the other animals sip hot beverages provided by the bear, and by the final page, the scarf is whole again. In a happy bit of artistic license, it's now long enough for the animals to share as they sit around a cozy campfire.What is "Found" now? A community, that's what. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
