The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures

A welcome portrayal of a young female undaunted by bugs and slime.

Pale-skinned, red-haired Roberta is intent on rescuing small beings that are stranded or struggling--"Tiny creatures need friends who can rescue and understand them." But her classmates don't understand: "Ms. Williams! Roberta has been picking up worms again!" When their classroom wall is suddenly teeming with baby spiders, the other kids shrink away. But Roberta knows what to do, and with a classmate's help, she organizes a spider rescue--and shows the class that spiders might actually be wondrous beings. Childlike images by Cummins (From Ed's to Ned's) use expressive, charcoal-y lines and bright colors to present information clearly, including the insects Roberta's interested in, how they behave ("The millipede... curled into a spiral when I picked it up"), and how it's possible to take those it's too late to save and look at them under the microscope. This substantive story by Manley (Just Right: Searching for the Goldilocks Planet) is both a STEM tale about insects and a lesson in staying true to oneself, as Roberta's distinctive interest takes her from odd kid out to minor celebrity with a like-minded new friend. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary. Illustrator's agent: Emily van Beek, Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management. (June)

K-Gr 4–Animal lovers unite! This adorable picture book has such depth in a simple message, to save every animal, no matter how small. Roberta, a brave, freckled redhead, is eager to help any and all stranded critters. “I rescue tiny creatures, it’s a special job.” The story opens with Roberta telling how she finds the smallest beetle stuck on its back or worm stranded in the middle of a sidewalk and simply gives them a little help on their way. Students often tattle on her for touching bugs, but Roberta sees herself as a hero to all living things and does not waiver in her intentions to help. One day, the class finds itself surrounded by a bunch of spiders on the wall! Roberta enlists her friend Maria to teach the class how to make origami boxes to remove each spider carefully in its own little box. The class watches in awe as the silk spiders fly away on the wind. In her quiet way, Roberta has inspired her class to see each tiny creature as a living being with needs and deserving of respect. Roberta and her friends dream of one day saving the biggest animals like pandas, polar bears, and maybe even a kraken. The end of the book shows how to make your own origami spider house and gives information on the creatures discussed in the book. Cummins delivers joyful, brightly colored scenes that makes every creepy crawly relatable, and includes children of various races.

VERDICT A first purchase for young reader collections.

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