Review by Booklist Review
Every Sunday, old Mrs. Badger follows a path up the mountain, greeting her woodland neighbors along the way, sharing what she has, and helping out when she can. One day, she befriends Lulu, a shy little cat whom she encourages to climb to the mountaintop, where they share the magnificent vista. Lulu begins to join Mrs. Badger's weekly walk and absorb what she has to say, until her old friend is unable to make the climb. Gradually Mrs. Badger's mountain becomes Lulu's mountain. And one day, befriending a shy bunny on the path, Lulu begins to pass along what she learned from Mrs. Badger. The illustrations, shaded graphite and colored-pencil drawings with watercolor washes, are well structured, delicate, and precise. The rounded forms and gentle colors suit the calm, steady tone of the story well, while the red and orange details that mark the two main characters make them easy to spot within the many scenes featuring muted shades of green, brown, and gray. This amiable, understated picture book has its own quiet charm.--Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2018 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Canadian writer Dubuc (The Fish and the Cat ), whose gentle work champions friendship and explores life stages, suggests that kindness can become a tradition. In pencil, colored pencil, and watercolor-washed spreads, she introduces Mrs. Badger, who lives in a hobbitlike dwelling and climbs Sugarloaf Peak every Sunday, helping overturned turtles and speaking with acquaintances along the way. On the trail one day, Mrs. Badger senses that she's being watched. "There's enough for both of us, if you're hungry," she says, opening her spotted bindle and addressing the air in front of her. Readers see who's lurking: a young, nervous kitten named Lulu. Lulu joins Mrs. Badger on her Sunday walks, learning about wild plants and making friends. And when Mrs. Badger is too frail to make the trips anymore, Lulu takes over, performing the same kinds of small favors that Mrs. Badger did before her, and inviting a new young friend to trek alongside. Lulu's faithfulness and loving-kindness implicitly honors Mrs. Badger's memory. Hand-lettered text adds homey comfort, and so do small side notes ("little, bare red head" reads a description of a turkey vulture named Will). It is, in essence, a guidebook to amity and exploration. Ages 3-7. (Oct.) c Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Mrs. Badger, a badger of advanced years, climbs to a mountain peak every Sunday. On her walk, she greets her forest friends, giving gifts, and offering a helping hand. One day she meets a cat named, Lulu. She invites Lulu to walk to the mountain peak with her. Lulu isn't sure she can make the climb. After they craft the perfect walking stick, they begin to walk together. Lulu asks a lot of questions, and Mrs. Badger teaches her to quietly listen and observe the world around her. From then on, Mrs. Badger and Lulu climb the mountain together. As time passes, it is Lulu who needs to lend Mrs. Badger a steadying hand over the steep spots. Eventually, Lulu must climb to the peak without Mrs. Badger. Softly rendered pencil, colored pencil, and watercolor illustrations of forest scenes capture the grandness of nature, from a tiny hedgehog family to sweeping mountain vistas. Vignettes of the rosy-cheeked Mrs. Badger and her friends in conversation break up the forest illustrations and add interest. The text is in a small font, unassuming and, full of gentle wisdom from Mrs. Badger. VERDICT Mindfulness can be a difficult concept to understand, and this book is thoughtfully crafted to show quiet contemplation and serenity in action. A perfect choice for budding naturalists as well.-Mindy Hiatt, Salt Lake County Library Services © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
On her weekly walk up Sugarloaf Peak, an elderly badger befriends young cat Lulu; they become walking companions, with Mrs. Badger the guide. When Mrs. Badger is no longer well enough to walk, Lulu assumes her role and guides a new friend. This subtle-as-a-whisper tale takes the scenic route and hence its time, and there are constant rewards in the ultra-precise pencil and watercolor art. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
In this Canadian import translated from French, after many hikes together, an aging badger is no longer able to make it up the mountain; and so her cat mentee, Lulu, becomes the mentor, helping another up the hill in this cyclical story of intergenerational relationships.Mrs. Badger is an avid hiker, making the trek to Sugarloaf Peak every Sunday, always ready with a kind word or gesture. It's with this attitude of generosity that she befriends Lulu, a young cat who wishes to reach the mountaintop. Together they hike, and over many weeks, Lulu's confidence and knowledge grow under the gentle guidance of Mrs. Badger. Eventually, it's Lulu who's helping Mrs. Badger along the way, until one day the rosy-cheeked mustelid can no longer make the sojourn. With the passage of time, the mountain slowly becomes Lulu's alone, until one day she encounters a rabbit in much the same way Mrs. Badger met her. The two begin the hike together, continuing the same journey of friendship. Simple natural settings and character designs done in an earthy, primary palette are appealing. The artist uses simple washes with colored pencils to accent small details and patterning, and the compositions flow well, echoing the story of Lulu's journey with both intimate scenes and vast environments. Dubuc adheres to the story's pattern both in text and art, which makes for a pleasant and predictable journey.A quiet, lovely story for the intergenerational shelf. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
