Squirrel's New Year's Resolution
| Author | Pat Miller |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Kathi Ember |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's Picture book |
| Published | 2010 (Albert Whitman and company) |
| Publication place | USA |
| Media type | Print (hardback) |
| Pages | 32 (unpaginated) |
| ISBN | 9780807575918 |
| OCLC | 1003922326 |
Squirrel's New Year's Resolution is a 2010 Children's picture book written by Pat Miller and illustrated by Kathi Ember. It is about Squirrel who wants to make a New Year's resolution but initially doesn't know what it is (her friend Bear explains it to her), then helps her friends (Skunk, Mole, Turtle, and Porcupine) with theirs but is unable to think of one for herself. Finally, Rabbit tells her that she actually resolved to help someone every day.
Reception
A review in Publishers Weekly of Squirrel's New Year's Resolution wrote "Ember's thoughtfully detailed acrylic paintings create a friendly woodland setting for this largely conflict-free story." and concluded "it should get kids considering resolutions of their own.".[1] Booklist wrote "The story line gets a little muddy as the resolutions become more interrelated, but the happy pictures and the (possibly new) knowledge that a resolution is an important, attainable goal carry the day. Perfect for those tired of pumpkins and Santa."[2]
Squirrel's New Year's Resolution has also been reviewed by School Library Journal,[3] Horn Book Guides[4] Kirkus Reviews,[5] and Library Media Connection.[6]
It is a 2013 Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award Nominee[7]
References
- ^ "Squirrel's New Year's Resolution". Publishers Weekly. PWxyz LLC. September 13, 2010. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
- ^ "Squirrel's New Year's Resolution". Booklist. American Library Association. 2010. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
- ^ "Squirrel's New Year's Resolution". School Library Journal. Media Source Inc. 2010. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
The simple dialogue and predictable plot make this a good read-aloud, and the brightly colored, acrylic cartoons are full of fun details and expression, giving the woodland creatures anthropomorphic characteristics. This introduction to the tradition of resolutions is a strong addition to holiday collections.
- ^ "Squirrel's New Year's Resolution". Horn Book Guides. Media Source Inc. 2011. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
Bland acrylics show anthropomorphic woodland creatures. The borderline preachy plot is nevertheless a decent introduction to the New Year's tradition.
- ^ "Squirrel's New Year's Resolution". Kirkus Reviews. Kirkus Media LLC. 2010. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
The sugary-sweet conclusion provides little punch and begs the question, doesn't resolve require some active thought? Ember's illustrations allow the cuddly characters to pop against the bright acrylic spreads, and these anthropomorphized woods (a classic diner perches in a tree, for instance) will appeal to the audience.
- ^ "Squirrel's New Year's Resolution". Library Media Connection. Linworth Publications. 2010. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
The concept of making a resolution may be difficult for young children to grasp; however, Miller does a terrific job of capturing this meaning as Squirrel faces a new year and wants to learn more about them.
- ^ "Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award: 2013 Activity Packet" (PDF). wla.org. Washington Library Association. Retrieved February 22, 2019.