A FRIENDSHIP YARN

One ball of yarn plus two BFFs who both knit can lead to good intentions and a frayed friendship.

Badger and Porcupine share their days and their meals. One day, a peddler passing by drops a ball of red yarn, which unrolls entirely till it is one long string stretched out and wound around the woods. Porcupine and Badger each pick up one end. Each is industrious, and with knitting needles in hand they proceed to fashion gifts, each for the other, to the tune of “Floop. Floop. Floop-floop-floop.” When their projects unravel and they realize that they are sharing one ball, however, the two fall into a snit and proceed to fashion increasingly grand objects for themselves. A hammock, a tent, and a sail for a boat are all knit and purled into creation. But then night falls, the temperature drops, and the two meet on an icy field to exchange sweaters that they have made for each other. All is well in their world now. Moser’s tale of a friendship that cannot be torn apart by selfishness is sweet but not unfamiliar. Demidova’s colorful illustrations depict a lovely forest setting and a swirling strand of red yarn. Children may ponder the dilemma of a porcupine wearing a knit garment, though.

A single ball of yarn threatens and then strengthens an animal friendship in this slight tale. (Picture book. 4-6)