Thursday, June 25, 2009

For the Love of Autumn



Polacco, Patricia. For the Love of Autumn. Philomel Books: 2008. ISBN: 9780399245411.


In For the Love of Autumn Polacco has masterfully woven together another inviting, heart-warming, sure to be “exactly the one” realistic narrative that any kitten-loving student would choose to read or have read to him. A love story on many levels, Autumn, an orphaned kitten, becomes “the heartbeat of the house” for new teacher Danielle Parks, her adoring students, and a mystery neighbor, who wonderfully cares for the mischievous kitten during a “stormy” night. Polacco’s signature red-headed freckle-faced youngsters and wispy haired Miss Parks seek to unravel the mystery of the intermittent custody they share with the unidentified individual, leading to an unpredictable epilogue that is heart-warmingly powerful. Polacco’s readers will be in love at first sight, whether it is ash-covered Autumn exploring a sooty cottage chimney or prodigal Autumn appearing at her own eulogy. Using pencil and marker, this beloved Michigan author and illustrator welcomes us into Miss Parks’ home of patterned pillows and colorful carpets, sharing views of ankles, laps, and tops of birdbaths from the scampering kitten’s perspective.


Rhonda Huddle, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950

No comments: