Blue Badger

PreS-K--A down-and-out badger sits in a pile of blueberries and ponders one of life's most puzzling questions: "Who am I?" He then proceeds to ask a series of other black and white animals, such as a panda, zebra, and penguin, about his coloring and his abilities. Ultimately he learns that perhaps the pattern of his colors is not the answer to his existential question. The exploration of self and its relation to an individual's value, along with relationships to others, is a heavy theme throughout, but offered in a kid-friendly way. The overall message of kindness will inspire. Repetitive, simple text makes this an easy read for younger and emerging readers, while the theme and message provide depth for discussion with older readers. The soft black and white animal illustrations truly pop against vibrant background pages, with the occasional mysterious splash of blueberries for readers to discover on their own. VERDICT This is a solid choice for anyone looking to expand their collection focused on social-emotional reads.--Kaitlin Malixi, Millbury P. L., Millbury, MA