Rylant, Cynthia. Hornbeam All In. Arthur Howard, Illus. Beach Lane, 12/2023. [48]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-6659-2481-8. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.
Hornbeam is a reluctant moose who stars in three brief chapters in this picture book that could also serve as a beginning reader, similar in format to James Marshall’s George and Martha series (Houghton Mifflin, 1972). Hornbeam goes on a picnic with duck Eureka, sleeps over at Cuddy the bull’s house, and is taught to swim by skunk Adorabelle. These short vignettes on friendship will be very relatable to the children enjoying this book, and the subtle humor of Hornbeam’s reluctance to try new things makes him a sympathetic character. The cartoon artwork, achieved using ink outlines, gouache, colored pencil, and watercolor set on stark white backgrounds, adds a goofy charm to the text. The characters wear clothes, drive cars, use cell phones, and act like humans. Look for the second book in the series, Hornbeam Gets It Done, scheduled for release in May 2024.
Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool