A Cherolachian (Cherokee and Appalachian) re-interpretation of the Aesopian fable of the Tortoise and the Hare, Otter´s Coat by Cordellya Smith is a smart read for children aged 5 to 7. Exactly that kind of age when the selfawareness is increasing but naughtiness may be the easy way to survive both in the world of adults and peers.
The Rabbit, a smart guy, hears about a fancy coat the Otter got and set up a plan to get it out of him. He does, with poise and cunning but nevertheless the owl caught the move and disgusted hurries to fly and share the horrendous affair to the other animals in the forest. Who decide to punish him because he deserves it.
By balancing the act of the hare with a social sanction of the outlawish behavior, the reader, small reader ready to break the rules no matter how, that no matter how smart you are, there are common rules that should be accepted. Stealing someone´s coat, no matter how jealous you may be, is not an acceptable behavior. Also, intelligence is a gift but without ethical limitations can easily turn into anti-social poison.
Although joyful and appealing to children, Otter´s Coat is a thoughtful book that can easily turn into a topic of conversation with your little ones. Trying to explain what and why happened and why this is not a recommended behavior can be useful for the next social experiences of your child.
In addition to the story, the vibrant colourful illustrations by Blueberry Illustrations do keep the children connected and interested in the story. The little readers do have also an extra task: finding on each page the chipmunk hiding where you expect less.
The book offer to pre-school and first grade children and their parents, teachers, educators etc. the opportunity of a discussion about acceptable behavior and learning how to contain toxic feelings. It´s useful without being lecturing with eye-catching illustrations and smart ideas - the good kind of smart, of course.
Rating: 4 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour, but the opinions are, as usual, my own
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