Published by Candlewick

Summary:  A mother shrew, concerned about her sick son, turns to a book of remedies and learns that his illness is very dangerous and can only be cured with a teaspoon of honey from the moon.  She sets off on a journey told in seven chapters that is filled with peril–an owl who wants to eat her, a herd of night mares, and a swarm of protective bees–and manages to defeat them all with grace and resourcefulness.  Returning home at last, she finds her son just waking up, and gives him the honey, which starts working its magic almost immediately. 64 pages; grades K-2.

Pros:  This adventurous, beautifully illustrated story could be read as either a picture book or an early chapter book.  The language has a slightly old-fashioned storytelling feel to it, and the mother shrew sets a high bar for maternal devotion everywhere.

Cons:  This is another 2019 book that I somehow overlooked last year.

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