GNU AND SHREW

Gnu and Shrew are different in every way. Think “The Grasshopper and the Ants.”

Gnu describes a diamond-filled cave on the other side of the deep, wide, dangerous river. He works sporadically to dig a tunnel to the cave, declining tiny Shrew’s offers to help. Gnu has grandiose plans for his anticipated wealth, always intending to share the riches with Shrew. Maybe he’ll buy a boat, a Ferris wheel, or a golden bicycle, all of which inspire Shrew to create practical solutions. He builds a boat with a paddle wheel, chains, and pedals for power. Gnu stops working on his tunnel, playing and napping instead. He lets Shrew go off on his own in his special boat to get the diamonds. After his successful attempt, Shrew invites Gnu to join him on a journey around the world, but Gnu declines. Shrew’s subsequent life is filled with adventure, and upon returning, he finds Gnu still dreaming, this time of emeralds on Shark Tooth Mountain. And Shrew has an idea. Schnitzlein keeps readers aware of the yin and yang of the characters’ relationship without judging them, employing a pleasing pattern of language and syntax—and a few unexpected twists. Sandu depicts the characters’ interactions and shifts in leadership with subtle changes in their oversized eyes and their expressive body language. Note Gnu’s inspection of ants busily marching across a leaf.

Fun, a few surprises, and something to ponder.