The Branch

Reviewed by: Theresa Bonnevie Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2016

Review

A little girl is having a hard time sleeping due to the noises coming from outside her window. An ice storm is underway and the sounds escalate from ice hitting the window to a large crash caused by a breaking branch. The little girl looks out and discovers that her favorite tree has been damaged. In fact, her favorite branch is lying on the ground. She is devastated. This branch was her castle, her spy base and ship. Her elderly neighbor sees that she is upset and agrees that her branch is full of potential. He builds things from salvaged wood and suggests that she use her imagination and they will make something from the broken branch. Together in his workshop, they create something special from this branch that wasn't just a branch. A very satisfying ending when the branch is transformed into a rope swing and is once again her castle, spy base and ship. The artwork throughout is vivid. The rich jewel toned colors bring the blustery winter weather to the calm greens of Spring to life. The writing is beautifully descriptive particularly when she described the ice storm where her neighborhood has “been wrapped in a heavy blanket of diamonds”. An excellent story with themes of friendship, nature, and creative thinking. A positive, feel good story where a negative event is turned into a positive outcome. An excellent picture book that works well for all ages.

Overall Book Score: excellent