Lucy and the Green Man

January 17, 2011
Legend, fable, poetry, and subtle b&w illustrations are deftly interwoven in this story of a sensitive girl who has a close rapport with her grandfather. Lucy has the rare ability to see Lob, Grandpa's amorphous, free-spirited helper. When this Green Man isn't "skittering about the woods or sleeping in the hedge," he performs garden tasks, but only "when no one was looking." Lob mostly sleeps during winter, before returning "full of spring. Full of growing." After Grandpa's sudden death, heartbroken Lucy remembers his words that Lob will "go on and on living, as long as the Earth is green," and she longs to be his new "special person." Yet Lob, driven from Grandpa's former property when developers descend, has taken to the road. Newbery (Flightsend) laces her novel with lilting, nature-themed verse representing Lob's voice ("May time now, the best of May, the coolest, mistiest, grassiest time of summer"), which is given additional weight by the large font in which it appears. Lob has several run-ins with less-than-special people before reuniting with Lucy in a finale that brings this enchanting, if at times precious, story full circle. Ages 8–12.

October 15, 2010

Lucy loves her summers at her grandparents' cottage. She and her grandfather have a special ability shared by a select few: Their penchant for growing things and their love of the natural world means that they can both see Lob, an incarnation of the traditional green man who helps out in the garden, bestowing growing magic wherever he goes. When Lucy's dear grandfather dies and his garden is paved over for new homes, both Lucy and Lob are at a loss. Lucy invites Lob to come and live with her, but she and her family don't have a garden plot at their London home. The narrative traces Lucy's journey and Lob's—occasionally presenting Lob's point of view in haiku-like verses printed in large type—as they try to find each other again. With a decidedly old-fashioned feel, the story moves at a leisurely pace, keeping at the forefront the importance of connection to the earth and its seasons. Unfortunately, the rather flat characters, particularly Lucy, may not be compelling enough to make readers care. (Magical adventure. 8-11)

(COPYRIGHT (2010) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

January 1, 2011

Gr 2-4-Grandpa and Lucy have the ability to see Lob, who lives in the garden and helps tend it. Most people, including Lucy's parents, think the magical creature is imaginary, and when Grandpa passes away, Lucy and Lob are left lonely and separated. Told in third person with Lob's poetic thoughts presented in a larger font, this story allows readers to follow both Lucy and Lob on their journeys toward inner peace and friendship. Black-and-white line spot art and occasional spreads capture the flavor of the story, although Lob himself stays well hidden, leaving something to readers' imagination. Though set in modern-day England, this gentle fantasy has an old-fashioned quality that will appeal to families and young sensitive readers.-Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2010
Grades 4-6 Lucys grandpa claims to have a mysterious, unseen helper, Lob, a Green Man, at his garden at Clunny Cottage. Lucys parents and grandma believe that Grandpas Green Man is made-up, but Lucy is convinced that Lob is real, and her belief creates a special bond with Grandpa. Then Grandpa dies unexpectedly, and Lucy hopes Lob will show himself and choose her as his special person, as Grandpa was. Then the cottage is sold and its garden razed. Seeking a new home, the Green Man (who does exist) begins a sometimes dangerous journey through subways and city streets and even a kidnapping. As time passes, Lucy herself begins doubting Lobs existence until the two are brought together in surprising, magical ways. Interweaving folkloric and real-life elements, Newbery alternates between Lucys and Lobs stories with lively, lyrical touches and richly vivid descriptions. Evocative, full-page, black-and-white illustrations enrich this engaging, heartfelt portrayal of loss, grief, and healing that also highlights natures awe-inspiring magic and beauty.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)