K-Gr 2—In a remarkable chapter book that teaches problem-solving skills, a kind squirrel faces her fears. Cordell's
art is detailed, emotional, and action-packed; the heroine is brave; and the storytelling is outstanding. Delightful.

picture book- chapter book mashup and a great story ( )

Evergreen the squirrel is scared of everything, but she has to deliver her mother's magic soup to Granny Oak, which means a frightening journey through Buckthorn Forest. Evergreen encounters a rabbit, a hawk, a toad, and more before delivering the soup, safe in its acorn, to Granny Oak - who isn't a squirrel at all, but a bear! Evergreen's bravery grows throughout her journey and she learns to enjoy adventure. Evergreen wears a red cape; Mama wears an apron and headscarf.

See also: Little Witch Hazel by Phoebe Wahl, Endlessly Ever After by Laurel Snyder, The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney; Maurice Sendak ("It was still hot"). ( )