Hunwick's Egg
Grade 1-3–Beginning with the traditional opening, "Once upon a time," this touching story features a kindhearted bandicoot named Hunwick, who, one evening after a tumultuous storm, finds "a most curious egg." After conferring with Emu, Cockatoo, and Echidna, Hunwick takes it back to his burrow and gives it a safe and cozy home. The odd egg, which refuses to hatch, becomes the gentle bandicoot's friend and confidante. Although Hunwick's neighbors are concerned about the situation, the creature comes to realize that the egg is actually a perfectly shaped stone and continues to "love it with all his heart." This slightly offbeat story with a universal message about the power of friendship is accompanied by glowing watercolor pencil illustrations in orange, pink, and violet tones that showcase the flora and fauna of the Australian landscape, adding an interesting element to this charming title. Young readers will appreciate Hunwick's loyalty and may be curious to learn more about the exotic animals portrayed in the lovely artwork.–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA