Edmond, the Moonlit Party

PreS-Gr 1—Edmond, a red squirrel, is a real homebody. He loves to make nut jam, read adventure stories, and is masterful at making pompoms. Mr. George Owl, his upstairs neighbor in their chestnut tree, is always out and about. He spends his time collecting feathers, moss, bark, and such, which he uses to create elaborate disguises. At the bottom of the chestnut tree lives Harry, a bear, who is known far and wide for his outstanding parties. These quirky yet endearing characters form the basis of the story that draws the neighbors together, with the help of some most excellent nut jam, and brings timid Edmond (wearing his best pompom hat) out of his shell as he accompanies George (dressed as a seagull) to the party. The only thing more engaging than the characterizations are Boutavant's bright and luminous illustrations. The depictions of the interiors of the creatures' homes and woodland friends and neighbors are cheery and fanciful and moonlit scenes are pure magic. For anyone who has every been hesitant to take a social risk, Edmond is a great role model. He's determined to continue his pursuits of making nut jam and pompoms, too. But he's decided that being surrounded by friends was surely what suited him best of all.