Noly Poly Rabbit Tail and Me

Book by Smith, Maggie

PreSchool-K-- This simple, charming story captures the tender devotion a child feels for her favorite doll. In the great tradition of Winnie the Pooh and the Velveteen Rabbit, the little girl's treasured stuffed companion shares, soothes, and entertains. Noly Poly Rabbit Tail even hides brussel sprouts. When she is accidentally left behind at Grandma's house, her heartbroken owner waits anxiously for her return in the postman's sack. Finally Noly arrives, and the girl greets the small bunny-doll with a joyful hug. Preschoolers will readily identify with the pain of losing a favorite toy or blanket, and the relief felt at its return. Delicate watercolors in pale hues printed with cream-colored borders are ideally suited to the soft tone of the story, and give young listeners much to explore in these tiny windows into Noly's world. A delightful offering. --Virginia E. Jeschelnig, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

In this impressive debut, Smith conveys a familiarity with--and a fondness for--children. The story is told from the perspective of a girl who speaks in a natural, conversational voice that will immediately draw young readers into the tale of her favorite doll, Noly Poly Rabbit Tail. The much-loved stuffed animal is the girl's constant playmate, and offers comfort in times of trouble--when she is stung by a bumblebee, when she comes down with the chickenpox and when her parents go off to Portugal, leaving the girl and her brother with Meanstet cap M Mrs. Dean. But when Noly is forgotten at Grandma's house, her owner must endure five lonely days without her rabbit, which is eventually returned by mail. Smith's delightfully detailed pastel pictures are as engaging as her text. Little ones will love spotting books and blocks under the sofa and stray socks and toys under the beds. Ages 3 - 8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.