Twig

PreS-Gr 2—This sweet story about a stick insect who blends in a little too well on her first day of school will resonate with shy readers. Heidi's twiglike body is such effective camouflage in the outdoor classroom setting, she goes unnoticed until one of her fellow students unwittingly attempts to use her as a craft supply. Once she gathers the courage to announce herself, the others realize their oversight and seek to solve the problem. They welcome her by weaving her a multicolored scarf that increases her visibility, and include her in their play from that point on. Soft watercolors with delicate lines complement the gentle tone of the story, and beautifully detailed illustrations invite readers to examine the unique patterns on each insect's wings and search for a hidden Heidi on each spread. With just a few sentences per page, the text flows smoothly and makes for an appealing storytime read-aloud. A surefire hit with budding entomologists, this book will also spark conversation about wordplay (hide and Heidi), as well as compassion, friendship, and problem-solving.