The Lumberjack's Beard

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

Jim Hickory is a lumberjack whose job is to cut down, prepare, and transport trees. After he cuts down the trees, a bird arrives on his doorstep without a home; Jim invites the bird to take up residence in his beard. When he prepares the trees, a porcupine arrives on his doorstep without a home; Jim invites the beaver to live in his beard. The next day, he transports the trees down a river, where they smash into a beaver's home and destroy it. When the homeless beaver arrives on his doorstep, Jim invites him to live in his beard as well. With all of the animals in his beard, Jim can't sleep! He comes up with the solution to shave off his beard and allow the animals live in it. A lesson in caring for the environment, the book closes with Jim replanting the trees he cut down. A wonderful read-aloud, the repetition in this book provides ample opportunity for children to practice their prediction skills. Discussions may be linked to consequences of actions and the effect humans have on the environment. This picture book is a wonderful addition to any library!

Overall Book Score: good