FOR YOU AND NO ONE ELSE

Originally published in the Netherlands, this gifty little number follows Buck, a kindhearted deer who happens upon a “curiosity”—a seven-leaf clover. He gives it to his best friend Sparklehart, saying it’s for him but neglecting to say, “and no one else.” Sparklehart is thrilled, but then they notice the valley is covered with identical seven-leaf clovers. Sparklehart decides to impress some cute female deer with the clover, telling each with perfect insincerity that it’s “for you and no one else.” Buck is devastated, but soon after finds a twelve-leaf clover and hands it to his oblivious friend. He states loudly that it’s for HIM “AND NO ONE ELSE!” This time Sparklehart seems to get it. One has to wonder, though, why Buck likes the womanizing (or doe-izing) Sparklehart so much. Is Sparkle insensitive or Buck too sensitive? The point seems a little muddled. The expressive black-ink drawings tell most of the story, and since the grass-green text easily fades into the background, one can't help but think of the spare power this might have had as a wordless work. (Picture book. 4-6)