Tolman, Marije. Quill the Forest Keeper. Marije Tolman, Illus. Translated from the Dutch by David Colmer. Levine Querido, 8/2024. [24]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-64614-452-5. GRADES 1–3. ADDITIONAL.
Grandpa Hedgehog recalls the story of Quill, the hedgehog who spent his days moving slowly and cleaning the mess all the other forest animals left behind during their frenzied rushing day. Only after Quill collapses from exhaustion do the other animals slow down and take care of the forest themselves, help Quill to rest and recover, and call him the Official Forest Keeper. Tolman’s brightly colored (fluorescent) mixed-media illustrations use a background of single color risograph prints with the various colored animals overlaid, showing off the messy forest and the hurrying animals. Readers may hear the message to slow down, appreciate those around them, and be considerate of your environment.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library