What do you feel when you find a letter on the ground? One that has a poetic love note attached? Why, you feel all sorts of things! And when Hedgehog, Bunny and Squirrel find such a letter, some mix-ups might occur, but in the end, they all learn what The Love Letter is really about.
Anika Aldamuy Denise’s story about friendship is sweet and cozy. While a bit predictable to the adult reader, a child might be surprised about who wrote (and why they wrote) the special letter that sets off a chain of lovely (and sometimes even a little silly) events. And Lucy Ruth Cummins illustrates this tale with adorably quaint and busy illustrations. But nothing is overpowering the senses. This book will see awards and other promotions due to the subject of love, kindness and friendship. Also, the illustrations will be seeing nods as swell. They are classically based, but also contemporary. This is really for all ages, but the very young might not sit for it as there is not a lot of traditional action. It is also a gift that is perfect for Valentine’s Day or for any time you want to tell someone how much you care about them. Denise is also the author of Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré. Cummins signature style for the illustrations is obviously them. You see their solo books, Stumpkin and A Hungry Lion, or a Dwindling Assortment of Animals as well as the books they have illustrated for other authors, such as Truman by Jean Reidy. |
Give a little love
The Love Letter by Anika Aldamuy Denise