"A lonely scarecrow finally makes the friends he's desperately wished for. Originally written in Chinese, then translated into Dutch and then English and first published in Belgium and the Netherlands, this picture book depicts a scarecrow in an abandoned field, longing for animal friends. As the seasons pass, he remains stationary, so much so that the crows and mice realize that he isn't threatening; rather, he works hard to scare away potential predators like a sneaky black cat. With the help of his newfound friends, the scarecrow takes on a new look with fabric, twigs, and grass, making his larger-than-life shadow just right for permanently scaring off the cat. The scarecrow is drawn with a sweet, youthful face, the littlest bit of fabriclike texture imprinted on his peachy-pale face. Certainly not drab, he's a visually intriguing figure, clad in a multi-patterned top and hat and a bright red knitted scarf. This is a quiet story that reads like a fable, gentle and comforting. Huang's full-page illustrations are compelling, especially the opening scene of the scarecrow against a light blue sky and puffy white animal-shaped clouds. Well-drawn shifting perspectives include a high-angled shot of the sneaky cat on the ground and the gray blue of the scarecrow's shadow. Huang's depictions of mutually beneficial friendships demonstrate that even unlikely pairs can result in meaningful bonds. Sweet and simple. (Picture book. 4-8)" - Kirkus Reviews

Publisher: Clavis

Pub date: 2025-09-09

Length: 32 pages