Having read the Kodi by Jared Cullum books out of order, I wasn’t grasping everything I needed in book two and assumed book one was going to be more of the same adventure, themed story as Kodi: A Place to Call Home (book two) was. However, this one is a lot more sweet, simple and quick to read. I don’t think I would have wanted to read book two if I had read this first. With that said, ages 8 and up will devour both books.
The story is easy to follow, the young girl and grandmother are in the summer cabin in the woods. Our girl is a bit of an oddball, and can be bullied at school. During a terrible storm, a freak accident and a little odd luck, she meets Kodi (she names him), the largest bear she’s ever seen. They quickly become friends, have adventures, and neither of them is alone. But something makes our humans leave to go back to Seattle, their regular home. Armed only with a picture of the two of them, Kodi goes off to find his friend. Some easy events happen. The end.
But it is the painting-like images that grabbed me and are a delightful touch. The cover is a little less “watercolor looking” and the colors inside are more muted, and they feel old fashioned, and capture the forest and ocean side neighborhood in Seattle.
I look forward to finding more Jared Cullum books.
