EVERT

A shrew moves into his own burrow and makes unlikely friends along the way in Agauas’ children’s chapter book.

Evert the shrew is one of seven siblings. He has grown tired of his crowded household and decides to go out to find a place he can call his own. Evert believes he has found just that underneath the roots of an old maple tree; however, he is in for a surprise when he learns that the nice garden just outside his new home is actually populated by humans (which Evert and his mother call “giants”) who react to his presence with less screaming and stomping than he expected. One giant even seems to think he’s cute, despite the stories his mother has told him of how mean they can be. Evert still tries to avoid them (just in case) and instead almost runs into a cat that lives in the house on the hill with the giants. Determined to keep a low profile, when Evert meets a frog named Goodwin, he is reluctant to befriend such a loud and friendly animal. Evert tries to live by his mother’s survival-oriented rules like “Keep to yourself” and “Mind your own business,” but he finds himself repeatedly roped into adventures with his neighbors, whether they’re taking him to get furniture or conscripting him for a rescue mission. Over the course of the story, Evert learns that maybe not all of his mother’s rules need to be followed—especially when he begins to reconsider whether he wants to be alone all the time or just sometimes. This children’s chapter book conveys a poignant message about the importance of friendship and community. Interspersed between the chapters are stunning watercolor illustrations that add to the lighthearted, whimsical tone of this tale. Evert is a stubborn yet endearing character whom readers will root for as he discovers the importance of forging bonds with others in his new home. (Even the humans surprise Evert with their kindness and show that his extreme caution can hinder more than help when he’s out on his own.) This is an engaging journey of self-discovery that is sure to keep a young reader’s attention.

Short and sweet, full of adventure and heartwarming moments.