Sloth to the Rescue

July 15, 2019
When a girl leaves her school project at the zoo, it's up to Sloth and his faster-moving friends to deliver the notebook back to her. Patti's been spending her summer working on a set of drawings to turn in at the beginning of school. Sloth, who looks like a fuzzy gray log with an expressive, wide face, adores Patti, who, like Sloth, never seems in any rush. When Sloth notices she's left her notebook, he calls to action Peccary, Boa, Capuchin, and Ocelot to give him some assistance. Slowly, of course: "Let's. go. on. a. field. trip..." he suggests. Shirtliffe cleverly assigns tasks according to the animals' strengths. When they arrive at Patti's school, Peccary is great at lining up, skin-shedding Boa fits right in in the coat room, and so on. Sloth, for his part, can meditate and remain calm until he locates Patti. Lively illustrations throughout portray superfriendly animals, Sloth in particular, interacting with charmed children at a school that clearly has great liability insurance. Backmatter explains some of the behaviors of animals and people that inspired the book, ending with a useful plug for animal-rescue centers. For all its charm, however, the story stops a little short and feels lightweight overall, without adding much to the current vogue of sloths as cuddly spirit animals for the unrushed or perpetually late. Agreeable animal fun but weightless as a too-brief visit to the zoo. (Picture book. 4-7)

COPYRIGHT(2019) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 22, 2019

PreS-Gr 1-After visiting the Rainforest Rescue Center, Patti leaves her notebook behind. Sloth, who loves Patti's visits, knows that she will need it for her first day at school, and he decides to bring it to her. But what is the slowest animal to do? It will take him years to catch up with her. Sloth sits and thinks, then calls his friends. Before tackling each situation, Sloth calms himself and requests help from the appropriate animal. After taking one final belly breath, they find Patti. Sloth demonstrates mindfulness techniques that will help children deal with common anxieties. His friends show him that different skills and traits may be required depending on the situation. A list of facts in the back outline why the author chose these creatures as representatives. The illustrations assist with this calming state through their soft designs and palette. VERDICT Among the recent slew of mindfulness picture books, this one is a fine choice that also demonstrates problem-solving skills.-Rachel Forbes, Oakville Public Library, Ont.

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.