Finders Keepers

May 15, 2015
When is a hat not a hat? When it finds its way into the hands of Kasza's lively cast of woodland creatures! A squirrel marks the spot of his buried acorn with a red hat. But a strong wind blows the hat high up into a tree, and it lands next to a little bird. "Wow! What a terrific nest!" she chirps. "Finders, keepers." Alas, the hat doesn't stay put and next falls into a stream. A little ant spots it. "Yippee! What a nice boat!" he declares. "Finders, keepers." Next, a bear splashing in the water pops it on his face and cries, "What a perfect clown nose!" And so it goes until the hat ends up right where it started. Kasza's customary mix of media-colored pencil, gouache, and oil pastels-ably showcases the rich, vibrant colors of the woods and brings its energetic inhabitants to life. Her clever use of perspective and composition also helps tell the story from the characters' points of view. Pages are framed with grass and flowers, reflecting what small animals and insects see from ground level; the contrast between big and small is made evident, for example, when the bear's big foot creates a colossal wave (for an insect) next to the ant in the stream. With silly scenarios and a surprise ending to tickle young readers, this circular story makes a terrific storytime read. (Picture book. 3-5)

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June 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 1-A squirrel claims an acorn for himself declaring, "Finders, keepers," unaware that the hat he uses to mark his buried treasure will take on a new life wherever it lands. After the squirrel leaves his find, wind blows the hat into a tree where a bird uses it for a nest. Next it becomes a boat for an ant, then a clown nose for a bear. But the nose tickles the bear whose sneeze sends the hat flying until it lands back over the squirrel's hole. Text and large illustrations, done in graphite and colored pencil, gouache, and oil pastels, work together seamlessly to create this perfectly paced story. For example, after the unassuming squirrel leaves, a page turn depicts the hat lifted aloft by the wind. Readers don't know where it will go, however, "until..." another page turn reveals the answer as a stunned bird also cries, "Finders, keepers." The anticipation continues with each transfer until the hat arrives at its original location. After the returning squirrel enjoys his treat, though, a snake with unclear intentions appears on the following page, and readers must wait for the last illustration to enjoy the tale's final surprise. VERDICT Humorous touches, a brief text with its irresistible opportunities for readers to join in, sustained suspense, and a twist ending make this charming tale a perfect read-aloud.-Marianne Saccardi, Children's Literature Consultant, Greenwich, CT

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