Annie Hoot and the Knitting Extravaganza
Annie Hoot likes to knit, and like most knitters, she enjoys giving her creations away. But the other owls are particular about what they wear and decline her kind gifts. So Annie decides to find creatures who appreciate her skills. She knits herself a hot-air balloon and blows over to a rain forest, but her knit umbrellas sag in storms. Then she knits herself a sail and boats over to Africa, where long scarves and caps keep the animals toasty in the desert night. Alas, the days are hot. Finally she parachutes to the Arctic, where her “warm and wonderful” items are a hit. The story, with its repetition, is cute, but it’s the terrific artwork that sets this apart. Annie, a squat little owl, appears on well-designed spreads that get a lively lift from the colorful yarn projects that drape the pages. Young children will giggle at the birds in booties and elephants in ponchos but may wonder why the other owls reject Annie’s wares. She really is a very good knitter. Preschool-Grade 1. --Ilene Cooper