There's More-- Much More

Squirrel and Sherri celebrate spring by collecting it in their May baskets.

PreSchool-Grade 2 On a lovely, sunny day, Sherri meets Squirrel, who says he is going to fill his May basket with spring. Intrigued, Sherri follows him and discovers some of the basket's contents: flowers, leaves, a coccoon. ``Is that all of spring?'' Sherri keeps asking, and each time Squirrel answers, ``No, there's more. . .much more.'' He goes on to tell her about the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of the season. (One would hope that young listeners are not so carried away that they are spurred to follow suit by tearing up flowers or disturbing tiny eggs.) Serenely beautiful watercolors echo the bright colors of spring, and each page is bordered by flowers, butterflies, and other springtime symbols. The text hovers just on the edge of becoming cloying, and the ending, in which Sherri is so overcome by spring that she lies down to nap in the forest, strikes a jarring note in an otherwise tranquil tale. However, those who continually seek seasonal fare will find this one useful. Ellen Loughran, Brooklyn Public Library
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Squirrel leads Sherri on a tour of spring, helping her fill her basket with flower buds, wild strawberries and other offerings from nature. When her basket is full, she is encouraged to discover less-tangible pleasures as wellthe smells, sounds and feelings that signify and accompany spring. Brewster's delicate pastel watercolors paint a gentle, pastoral scene. Along with Alexander's fanciful text, they compose a lyrical paean to spring that will appeal to readers with a taste for the idyllic and romantic. But others may find its sweetness a trifle cloying. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.