THE LIFE AND TIMES OF FUZZY WUZZY
by Craig Sidell illustrated by Evgeniya Kozhevnikova
Sidell’s debut picture book takes on a classic childhood rhyme, exploring Fuzzy’s life beyond the story in the quirky chant.
In this retelling of a well-known tale, hairless bear Fuzzy Wuzzy leads a jolly existence. He has a loving wife and cares very much for his bear cub. He’s also a dancer and singer who helps out other animals in need and lives a comfortable life that’s full in every measure aside from his lack of fur. Sidell’s imagining will spark readers’ curiosity as it tackles their potential concerns about Fuzzy’s not fitting in or facing other burdens due to his hairlessness. The light text and Kozhevnikova’s full-page illustrations foster a strikingly positive tone that carries readers through the tale with a sense of delight. Brief lines, with aab rhyme schemes, provide clear explanations of the bear’s actions. Sidell’s word choice is simple and appropriate for very young readers. The affecting, charming images breathe life into the tale and offer a sense of wonder, featuring bright earth tones woven together to create a wilderness paradise. The optimistic tale distinctly lacks conflict, but this choice doesn’t make it any less fun to read.
A jolly tale with stunning illustrations that will delight young readers.