Gnu and Shrew

August 3, 2020
When laid-back Gnu tells motivated Shrew about a diamond-filled cave on the other side of a crocodile-infested river, Shrew immediately works on a plan to reach it. Gnu, on the other hand, prefers daydreaming to doing; in between rests, and dismissive of Shrew’s efforts (“A shrew is too small to dig a big tunnel”), he boasts of his wealthy future, dropping kernels of inspiration that Shrew, rather shrewdly, executes. Still, this is not the usual story of industry triumphing over sloth. As Sandu’s (Lana Lynn Howls at the Moon) digitally colored pencil vignettes vividly portray the plan taking shape, readers will realize that Shrew needs Gnu’s fantasies, from the idea to build a boat to all the details that ensure the craft is shipshape, and that Gnu is content with his lot. Though Shrew ends up with the gems and the good life—he “built a home across the sea and started a boat building business... and a family,” writes Schnitzlein (Trick or Treat on Monster Street)—he is nothing but devoted to his friend, inviting boastful Gnu to join him at every turn. The moral is mixed, but it’s refreshing to see a fable in which a generous spirit mitigates the usual “gotcha” ending. Ages 4–8.

August 15, 2020
Gnu and Shrew are different in every way. Think "The Grasshopper and the Ants." Gnu describes a diamond-filled cave on the other side of the deep, wide, dangerous river. He works sporadically to dig a tunnel to the cave, declining tiny Shrew's offers to help. Gnu has grandiose plans for his anticipated wealth, always intending to share the riches with Shrew. Maybe he'll buy a boat, a Ferris wheel, or a golden bicycle, all of which inspire Shrew to create practical solutions. He builds a boat with a paddle wheel, chains, and pedals for power. Gnu stops working on his tunnel, playing and napping instead. He lets Shrew go off on his own in his special boat to get the diamonds. After his successful attempt, Shrew invites Gnu to join him on a journey around the world, but Gnu declines. Shrew's subsequent life is filled with adventure, and upon returning, he finds Gnu still dreaming, this time of emeralds on Shark Tooth Mountain. And Shrew has an idea. Schnitzlein keeps readers aware of the yin and yang of the characters' relationship without judging them, employing a pleasing pattern of language and syntax--and a few unexpected twists. Sandu depicts the characters' interactions and shifts in leadership with subtle changes in their oversized eyes and their expressive body language. Note Gnu's inspection of ants busily marching across a leaf. Fun, a few surprises, and something to ponder. (Picture book. 5-9)

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October 1, 2020
Grades K-1 Gnu and Shrew sit beside a crocodile-infested river as Gnu wonders how to obtain the pile of priceless diamonds located across the water. Shrew wants to help, but Gnu dismisses his tiny friend as too small to assist. While Gnu makes half-hearted attempts, imagining what he might buy with the riches, Shrew forges on alone and triumphantly claims the treasure. When Gnu declines to join a proposed around-the-world adventure funded by the riches, Shrew once again sets out alone, later returning to find Gnu still in the same place, longing for another treasure trove. Can they learn to work together this time? Sandu's cheerful, digitally colored pencil illustrations contain plenty of amusing details, wonderfully capturing the different energies of the characters. Schnitzlein's humorous story surprises in its sympathy toward both characters. Shrew is rewarded for his industry, while Gnu is allowed a simpler life of restful naps and time to marvel at the nature around him. No judgments here?just a refreshing demonstration of different approaches and a friendship that transcends those contrasts.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)