Beryl

Gr 2-5 Beryl's adventuresome spirit blossoms when she escapes from a truck on its way to market. Though initially befriended by a wild pig and her relatives, the pink porker is quickly ostracized from their wilderness community. Accompanied by her newfound family, she goes on a series of travels that eventually lead them to a more accepting home. Beryl demonstrates significant growth as she challenges her assumptions along her perilous journey. Simmons interjects humorous episodes through her colorful cast of animal characters, providing a rich contrast to the serious topics she explores. Before the hopeful ending is neatly resolved, Beryl and her cohorts face cruelty and despair. Vivid black-and-white drawings convey a range of emotion by varying shade and light. Expressive faces highlight a wealth of feeling as the misfits successfully search for sanctuary against life's storms."Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.