MY MOST FAVORITE THING
by Nicola Moon & illustrated by Carol Thompson
Young children are capable of boundless empathy, as this charming story illustrates. Like most children, Katie has a stuffed toy that she takes everywhere with her. Rabbit is “her most favorite thing in the world.” Katie knows that her Grandpa’s favorite thing is his dog, Billy. They do everything together. But one Saturday when Katie visits, Billy doesn’t greet her at the door—he is sick and needs an operation. After a trip to the vet, Katie and Grandpa return to a house that is very empty without the loyal little dog. When it’s time to go home, Katie gives Rabbit a big hug and then selflessly hands him to Grandpa so he won’t be so lonely without Billy. While Katie has a tough weekend with several Rabbit substitutes, Grandpa’s wait for his best friend is eased by snuggling Rabbit. Thompson’s (Around the Day: Rhyme Time, not reviewed, etc.) touching watercolors set just the right tone for this tale of generosity and love, with warm colors and wonderfully expressive faces filling the pages. Moon (Penguins in the Fridge, 1996, etc.) has crafted a beautiful story celebrating all the love a young girl has to give. (Picture book.4 -8)