The Clever Stick
Kindergarten-Grade 3–In the tradition of Peter H. Reynolds'sThe Dot(2003) andIsh(2004, both Candlewick), a clever stick finds its voice through art. The stick had always been smart, making up poetry, thinking of mathematical equations, and appreciating the beauty of nature. But since it couldn't speak, it could not share its wisdom with the animals and plants. Then one day, it realizes that when it drags through the sand, it can draw pictures. In a flurry of self-discovery, the stick creates a magnificent mural that makes all of the forest creatures cheer. And although the masterpiece is erased by the rainfall that follows, the stick knows it can always make another one. This pleasant little allegory features sweet nature-friendly pictures that aptly illustrate the story. It would be best appreciated by quiet, thoughtful children.–Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CTCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.