Review by Booklist Review
Scarlet was born to adoring parents who checked to confirm she had the usual 10 fingers and 10 toes. Surprised to find their new daughter also had "one long, fluffy, fuzzy, furry tail," they were nonetheless very accepting of Scarlet's astonishing appendage. Changes were made to accommodate it: they had her clothes tailored and had shelves cleared so when the girl happily wagged, items didn't get swept away. But things changed when Scarlet begins attending school and the other children notice her unusual white-tipped, foxlike red tail. They give her wide berth until two open-minded children befriend her, paving the way for universal acceptance and inclusion. Illustrations in cheerful colors and a variety of shapes and sizes will appeal to children, and they will be delighted as they witness the family welcoming Scarlet's new baby brother . . . and one more surprise. As the author states in her dedication, this book is "for anyone who has ever felt a little different," and it will be readily enjoyed by youngsters.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The titular tale is about an actual tail--"one long, fluffy, fuzzy, furry tail"--that pale-skinned human baby Scarlet is born with. But all is well within the family bubble: her parents nimbly adapt, cutting holes in the back of Scarlet's clothes and clearing low shelves so the foxlike tail doesn't scatter their contents. When Scarlet goes to preschool, however, her classmates and their parents stare, the classroom isn't tail-proofed, and Scarlet finds herself playing all alone. Things start looking up when two kids notice that Scarlet's tail gives her turbo power on the swings, and as Scarlet grows more connected and at ease in the world beyond her family, her happy tail-wagging ("back and forth super fast until it was nearly moving in circles") is adopted by tail-less peers and townspeople alike, who "wagged their behinds" in happy solidarity. It's a story of embracing difference in oneself and in others that's refreshingly even-tempered and light on its toes. Vernick's (After the Worst Thing Happens) straightforward, economic prose and Jarvis's softly colored, deeply expressive line drawings portray the glow of unconditional love and the hurt of exclusion without being preachy about either. Ages 4--8. (Jan.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--Scarlet is born with a surprise. Her skin is the same color as her parents', and she has the same same two eyes, one nose, ten fingers and ten toes, as well as the blond hair of her mother. She also has a furry tail that resembles a fox's. Although there are challenges, her parents become skilled at accommodating her tail and "were happy to do it. So Scarlet was happy, too." By contrast, Scarlet's first day at school proves difficult because of the stares. Gradually, as Scarlet finds comfort in the familiar act of swinging, she attracts friends and eventually her classmates find a way to celebrate what makes Scarlet special. The story concludes with the arrival of Scarlet's baby brother, who comes with his own surprise. Richly hued illustrations with bold outlines convey the range of emotions Scarlet experiences with a simplicity of details appropriate to the audience for this book. With supportive parents (who can afford custom-made clothing), Scarlet has the resilience to overcome her tough first day. The story focuses mostly on Scarlet's positive experiences, making this a good choice to share with young readers not yet ready for more nuanced portrayals of conflict around differences. VERDICT Recommended for large collections, and specifically to preschool classrooms introducing the topic of embracing differences.--Amanda Foulk, Sacramento P.L.
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A young human girl with an unusual physical feature gains acceptance. At Scarlet's birth, her parents counted: "Two eyes. One nose. Ten fingers. Ten toes. / Also, one long, fluffy, fuzzy, furry tail. That was a surprise." Her parents shower her with love and accept that her foxlike tail means custom-made clothing and keeping low-lying surfaces clear of objects. But school is another matter. People stare and point, and her classroom has not been adapted to her swishing tail, which inadvertently knocks objects about. The next day is especially lonely until she gets on the swings, which always make her happy and cause her tail to wag. Callie and Josh decide to join her, and the three become inseparable, gradually turning wagging--whether it be tail or bottom--into their own happy, welcoming language. And because "Happiness can be kind of contagious," the school and then the whole town take to wagging their butts when happy--the street scene is quite amusing. Scarlet and her family present White, as does Callie, while Josh presents Black; students and the townsfolk are diverse. Bright background colors and simple details in the illustrations keep the focus on emotions and interactions. Even tailless children will empathize with Scarlet, though it's a bit sad that others' acceptance is so important to her sense of self-worth. A young girl's difference unites a community. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
