TINY TROUBLES

Two plant pals seek meaning in life.

Nelli wants a purpose. Worthi doesn’t know what that is but suggests they search in the forest. With Worthi’s help, Nelli frees a frog stuck to a spiderweb. Then the pair meet an overturned stink bug; Nelli sets it upright. The bug suggests that Nelli “look…within” for her purpose, but Worthi decides they’ll continue looking “without.” Nelli’s now beset with worries. What if her purpose is in the ocean or outer space? Staunch ally Worthi calms her. Some bees suggest that Nelli start by thinking about what she most loves to do. Nelli responds that she enjoys being with Worthi. In the end, she believes she still hasn’t found her purpose, but Worthi reminds her—and readers—of their accomplishments today: helping others. Worthi makes it clear that Nelli unwittingly found her purpose after all by being kind and helpful; Worthi finds a purpose, too: being Nelli’s supportive friend. This message is delivered quite subtly, and kids may not pick up on it. Still, this comical, thought-provoking story will win hearts. The colorful digital illustrations, often set in vignettes or panels, burst with good cheer. With round heads and chubby little limbs, the anthropomorphized plants cut adorable figures. The characters’ dialogue is set in different colors in speech bubbles.

Sweetly philosophical.