num_pages: 48
description: Covered in earthworm slime and assisted only by her cat and her little brother Roberta rescues tiny creatures. You know the ones stranded in the middle of the sidewalk. Upside-down flopping or near-frozen.A lot of the time that earns her funny looks from kids in school.But when a swarm of baby spiders finds its way into the classroom Roberta will save the day with her knowledge and creativity showing everybody that tiny creatures arent so scary after all. They just need friends who rescue and understand them!Established Roaring Brook Press author Curtis Manley has teamed up with up-and-coming illustrator Lucy Ruth Cummins creator of Truman and Stumpkin to present this quirky and adorable picture book.Childlike images by Cummins use expressive charcoal-y lines and bright colors to present information clearly including the insects Robertas interested in how they behave (The millipede curled into a spiral when I picked it up) and how its possible to take those its too late to save and look at them under the microscope. This substantive story by Manley is both a STEM tale about insects and a lesson in staying true to oneself as Robertas distinctive interest takes her from odd kid out to minor celebrity with a like-minded new friend. Publishers Weekly (starred review)The appealing cartoonlike pictures illustrate the action and the characters emotions effectively. Well worded and engaging Robertas first-person narrative is heartening in several ways. She feels so strongly about helping animals that she continues despite ridicule. By sharing her knowledge she unexpectedly earns her classmates respect. And more broadly one person can make a difference not only through action but also by influencing others. An original picture book and a rewarding read-aloud choice. Booklist (starred review)
language: None
title: The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures
publisher: Roaring Brook Press