Lennie and the Mighty Oak by Anne Twist & illustrated by Emily Sutton

ISBN: 9781536254730
Hardcover $18.99 USD
Candlewick Press

Lennie and the Mighty Oak

About the book: From Anne Twist and Emily Sutton, the author and illustrator of Betty and the Mysterious Visitor, comes a heartwarming story celebrating family, friendship, and the joy of a new sibling.

Lennie loves his new baby sister, Ruby. He wants to play with her, but Mum says Ruby is still too small. And Mum is always taking care of Ruby, so she can’t play either. Lennie wishes for a friend—someone to play hide-and-seek with, hide in giant piles of leaves with, and climb the trees with—or just someone who isn’t so very little or so very busy. One day, under his favorite oak tree, his wish might just come true. This charming story will be a comfort and a joy to any child adjusting to a new sibling.

My thoughts:  I have mixed feelings about this children's book. I don't believe in children's books that present problems or unhappy feelings or emotions as part of the story. These can be dealt with when and if they ever appear to be a problem in the family or child's life using books specifically catalogued for the need. In this story, Lennie has been Mom's center of attention and Lennie's favorite playmate up until the new baby appears in the family. Is this sometimes an issue in families? Yes. Was it ever an issue with my family of five children? No. So in the case of Lennie facing the problem of not being the center of attention when the new baby is born as presented in this story, it is a bit heavy on the "I don't have a playmate" now that baby Ruby is here. A bit less emphasis on the problematic baby would have been better, in my opinion. 

Now putting aside my personal feelings about new baby jealousy problems, I do like the book. I absolutely love the illustrations that are jam-packed with details so that you can get lost in looking for charming bits of everyday living and the joy of being outside in a tree and plant filled wonderland. I absolutely love that the child has the opportunity to climb a tree, touch the bark, peer through the foliage, jump into piles of leaves. The neighborhood of "Wobbly Bottom" is charming and alive with interest. And then Lennie spies a little girl.... a playmate..... a new friend. 

The story goes on, irregardless of a timeline, and soon baby Ruby wants a playmate and Lennie doesn't want to play with her. He has a playmate. (Hmmmm..... I don't like these unkind feelings I am sensing here in Lennie.) But the story goes on and it does end well.

Basically, a beautiful book with lots of interesting detail in the illustrations. The story reads well and flows nicely. So if the "negative feelings" part doesn't bother you, you'll really enjoy this lovely book. Personally, I "got past the 'feelings'" part and enjoyed it lots.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Candlewick Press to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.