I Want That Nut!

Starred review from August 14, 2017
When a “big, beautiful Nut” appears out of nowhere, Mouse and Chipmunk are instantly smitten. The friends are initially polite—in speech balloons stacked like a text message exchange, each insists the other take the acorn—before Chipmunk runs off with it. After an awkward tea for three, Mouse snatches the nut, and the battle is on. Valentine (Little Red Henry) hilariously alternates between joyful scenes of each friend enjoying the nut’s company (dance parties are involved) and spreads that reveal the lengths to which they will go to reclaim the nut. Just as the conflict comes to a head, the nut’s actual owner appears, forcing the friends to reflect on how they nearly let an acorn come between them. (Luckily, a log is nearby, ready to jump-start a new three-way friendship.) While giggling over Mouse and Chipmunk’s antics, readers will easily relate to the way they vacillate between selfishness and selflessness, and Valentine’s watercolor forest, awash in browns and greens, is an inviting place to learn about sharing and friendship. Who knew inanimate friends could be so rewarding? Ages 3–7. Agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House.

August 1, 2017

PreS-Gr 1-Friendship can be wonderful, but it is not always predictable. When a very large, beautiful nut unexpectedly lands in their play space, Mouse and Chipmunk secretly covet it, and the result threatens their close relationship. Back and forth, each steals the treasure from the other and spends individual playtime with the nut, until the rightful owner makes his claim. Illustrations of digitalized watercolor and pencil portray Mouse and Chipmunk each participating in a variety of activity with the nut, such as reading, playing in the grass, sitting down to tea, having a game of tic-tac-toe, napping, and taking part in a private dance party. Images that vary in size from full-page illustrations to small cells accentuate the cartoon action, expertly drawn and designed to keep the action moving as tails fly off the page with each snatch. Speech bubbles highlight humorous text-a running conversation about possession of Nut, ending with an eventual admission of guilt on both sides as a shared substitute treasure brings Chipmunk and Mouse back together. Young children may identify with Mouse and Chipmunk and how their yearning to possess something can overshadow what is truly important. VERDICT A first buy for all libraries, especially schools emphasizing social-emotional relationships, this book quietly introduces the topics of sharing and friendship by example, echoing the voice of young children.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from July 1, 2017
The close friendship of Mouse and Chipmunk is temporarily tested by the appearance of one large, attractive acorn.Before the title page appears, the two cartoonish, furry mammals are rushing about, playing tag and hide-and-seek against a white page. They have swiftly drawn, similarly sized and shaped bodies, with expressive faces. Both creatures are immediately drawn to what they perceive to be "A big, beautiful Nut." A conversation--presented in speech balloons of gray for Mouse and ochre for Chipmunk--moves from each politely offering the Nut to the other to Mouse admitting, "Well, I guess I did see it first," to Chipmunk taking it. Children will relate to Mouse's feelings of hurt and envy as he watches Chipmunk spend time exclusively with the Nut. Readerly concern is soon replaced by giggles as both animals devise ways to trick each other out of Nut possession. An especially funny spread shows Chipmunk wearing a ridiculous disguise that just barely fools Mouse. The climax is a double-page spread with both creatures glaring at each other, hands on hips, under the huge lettering: "THE NUT IS MINE!" But maybe not. After the Nut is reclaimed by its rightful owner, Mouse and Chipmunk exchange speech-balloon apologies before playing together with a third object, lesson learned. A winning combination of words and pictures for beginning readers and listeners. (Picture book. 3-5)

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July 1, 2018
Mouse and Chipmunk both covet the same acorn, and each goes to great lengths to take possession of it. In the end, the nut's original owner claims it, and the friends realize how silly they've been. This lighthearted story about greed is accompanied by lively illustrations that make the most of the shenanigans.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)