FLETCHER AND THE SPRINGTIME BLOSSOMS
by Julia Rawlinson and illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke
Young Fletcher has made it through the winter, and so has the anxiety that marked his debut (Fletcher and the Falling Leaves, 2007). When the little fox, on a walk through the orchard, sees “snowy flakes” dancing in the springtime breeze, he panics: “It will be too cold for the buds and butterflies. There’s no time to lose.” In cumulative turn, he alerts the birds, Porcupine, Squirrel and the rabbits—who discover the blossom-carpeted orchard floor. “Those are blossoms, not snow, you foolish fox!” Not to worry: They’re good fun to play with, and the friends make the most of the opportunity. Beeke’s sun-dappled paintings glory in the hues and textures of spring, giving the lie to Fletcher’s concerns with every page turn. (Picture book. 3-6)