A Great and Complicated Adventure

K-Gr 4—Tellegen successfully continues his string of inventive, playful animal fantasies in the fourth volume in a series that began with The Squirrel's Birthday and Other Parties (Boxer Bks., 2009). In these 19 short stories, Squirrel and Ant remain the more frequently recurring characters, and they are joined by a host of other critters. The changing settings include a tree, a bush, a ravine, a river, and the sea. Written with rich descriptions and creative dialogue, the imaginative plots conclude with unexpected endings. For instance, Hedgehog becomes entangled in a bush. A mysterious hand suddenly appears to lead Ant to Squirrel. Cricket experiences a broken sense of smell. Ahlberg's charming miniature animals and settings, with amazingly fine details to the plants, are a fitting complement to Tellegen's entertaining adventures. The full-color illustrations vary from small page decorations and borders to full-page scenes. A delicately detailed dust jacket wraps around the book's green binding. Lighter green end pages and an attached yellow ribbon bookmark add to the book's quality packaging. A Great and Complicated Adventure expands children's imaginations and offers pleasing reading material for youngsters who have enjoyed Winnie-the-Pooh or the works of Beatrix Potter.—Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH