Strange Creatures by Cristina Sitja Rubio, Cristobal León ISBN: 1525313800
Genres: Animals, Nature
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
It had been an uneventful summer for the forest animals, until one day they are invited to a party full of dancing and cake. When they return, their tree homes had disappeared, and only their skeletons (stumps) remained. The animals tried to communicate with the strange creatures (humans) that took their homes, but had better luck communicating with the small guardians (pets) of the strange creatures. The animals concocted a plan to lure the strange creatures to another party, for they also liked to dance. During the party, the animals moved the homes of the strange creatures, to make a point and better communicate the need for their forest home. In the end, the strange creatures understood and helped to replant the forest. This dramatic fable is full of striking and emotive gouache illustrations and hand lettered text. Could be used as a starting point for conversations about refugees, deforestation, climate change, and more. Recommended for ages 4 to 8 (Pre-K to 2nd Grade).
Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell