  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 04/01/2017 Young Hattie McFadden loves nothing more than paddling her red canoe as she explores the lake near her home. One morning, her joyful singing catches the attention of a mysterious, green lake creature, who surfaces, terrifying everyone on the lake. Sensing friendliness despite his enormous size, Hattie returns later and establishes a rapport with the monster, whom she dubs Hudson. When the townsfolk decide to capture the leviathan, Hudson and Hattie concoct a plan to demonstrate his kindness and value to the community. Van Dusen’s distinctive gouache illustrations vividly capture the features of Maine’s lake country. Hudson is depicted as a shiny, long-necked, vibrant green creature who might easily be mistaken for the Loch Ness Monster. The artwork includes multiple perspectives. Several spreads depict the creature’s underwater habitat, while others provide aerial views, giving readers many details to ponder. The story’s message—don’t judge by appearances—is gently delivered in a tale just right for one-on-one sharing. - Copyright 2017 Booklist. School Library Journal - 05/01/2017 K-Gr 3—Hattie McFadden is a young explorer who loves canoeing on a nearby lake. As she contentedly paddles along, she hums a happy tune. The girl's cheerful singing intrigues a lonely green monster, who ventures out from his deep and dark watery lair. Curious, the gentle giant gazes into Hattie's eyes and joins in the song, "harmonizing with a low rumble." While the other townspeople react with fear and loathing, Hattie befriends the peaceful creature and names him Hudson. When a town hall meeting is organized to get rid of "the Deadly Beast," Hattie is distressed and sagely says, "If only they knew him." Together, Hattie and Hudson devise a plan to dispel misconceptions. Van Dusen's stunning illustrations offer unique perspectives, from an aerial view of Hattie first making eye contact with two glowing eyes beneath the silvery water to a vertical spread of Hudson triumphantly emerging in the sunlight with Hattie perched on his head. VERDICT This eloquent, evocative book about compassion is perfect for sparking discussions on prejudice. A sensational choice for a seasonal storytime.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ont. - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
 |