Review by Horn Book Review
"Just beyond the back fence, in a corner of the meadow..." Such is the classic territory that Lia, a diminutive, pointy-nosed preschooler equipped with a butterfly net, explores in her search for a pet and an adventure. Meanwhile, from the other side of the meadow, Lion sets off on a quest with matching goals. When they meet, the background of the illustration turns startling red because, of course, neither wishes to be the pet of the other. As they work out the clash of egos and the power balance, the palette returns to the green and gold of a meadow that holds the excitement of hidden places, unfamiliar vegetation, and a dramatic lightning storm (all with apt palette shifts). Finding common ground, girl and lion also discover each other's contrasting competencies and work out how to respect the other's dignity. Vivid oil paintings ("often combined with acrylic, watercolor, inks, pencils, and collage, and edited in Photoshop") in fauvist colors and unrestrained, animated brushwork joyfully mirror the pleasure that Lia and Lion mutually discover in finding a friend who places a high value on wildness of spirit. All elements of picture-book making combine to encourage a celebratory read-aloud that moves from piano to forte and back again. Sarah EllisJanuary/February 2025 p.74 (c) Copyright 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
Lia and Lion, each seeking a pet for a different reason, discover truths about the nature of friendship. Tan-skinned Lia scrutinizes a meadow's abundant wildlife for a pet she can "take on an adventure." Lion, browsing nearby, wants a pet that will "follow his lead." Predictably, upon encountering each other, they argue. Eachwants a pet--not tobe one--and to define adventure in their own way. Lia strides resolutely through some tall grass, but the foreboding darkness within frightens her. Lion, musing that the "surprise" he seeks might lie within, enters the grass with Lia. "Ginormous" berries, toadstools, and ancient trees enchant them, and a wild rainstorm cements their bond as they huddle together in fear. "Let's think of it like a party," Lia suggests. Though the thunder is frightening, the two yell back at it. As they emerge into the dripping green-gold of the storm's aftermath, Lia is homesick. "Is it still an adventure if we have to go home?" she asks. "Oh definitely," Lion responds. "Who knows what we'll find on the way!" Rodin skillfully imbues this tale with the emotions and conflicts of childhood, as well as the ability to acknowledge and resolve them. Each character unconsciously recognizes and accepts the other's fears. Rodin's vibrant illustrations in gold, green, and blue employ gestural marks to convey drama and delicate line for details. A new friendship, tested and affirmed through adventure.(Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
