This is a gently told story with a valuable message, appealingly presented. I liked that the forest animals realized after being told by the littlest mouse that Mr. Bear was ill and that everyone came together to help. There are a number of subtle takeaways from the book - that sometimes when people are used to always having another's help, when that help is missing, they can be resentful. The idea that even the smallest or least among us can have important insights and should be listened to. There's also a real sense of community coming together for the benefit of all.
This would make a really wonderful classroom read-along or library read. It would also be a great bedtime or read-to-me for the youngest. There are guided questions and resource ideas aimed at teachers/caregivers in the back. (I received an early eARC of the book, and the questions were placeholders from an earlier book, but the format will presumably carry over to this book with appropriate questions).
There is also an ex libris label (this book belongs to) on the flyleaf. I distinctly remember how much pleasure it gave me as a small person to ceremoniously write my own name in the space on my own books. I am -still- a voracious lifelong reader in no small part due to the joy of reading passed down by the people who gave me books.
Possibly worth noting, the phrasing and idiom are ever so slightly British English leaning. On a careful read through, I couldn't see any direct spelling differences, but the text includes turns of phrase like feeling 'too poorly to fetch firewood'. There are no differences which present any problems in context.
This is a beautiful book. Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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