The Collectors

PreS-Gr 2–Two inquisitive friends set out on an expedition to find something extraordinary to cap off their extensive collection of natural wonders. Through a Goldilocks-style framework, the girls happen upon a series of fantastic discoveries that all have some fatal flaw (“too big!” “too heavy!”) until their journey comes to an end, and they realize they’ve come away empty-handed. The narrative sends a valuable message about the process of discovery, however, when the girls reflect on how much they learned through trial and error. Moreover, a happy ending is assured when a nest of baby birds hatches right outside their window, gently reminding readers to appreciate the good things that can happen right in front of their eyes. The adventure-filled plot and appealing illustrations will make this cheerful book a surefire hit at story hours. It truly hits all the right notes, featuring science-loving girls, diversity (one of the friends has brown skin, the other is pale), and the importance of teamwork and friendship.