Evergreen
by Matthew Cordell
Published Feb. 2023
Feiwel Friends
Hardcover
Picture Book
Fiction
48 pages
Review copy provided by publisher
Goodreads Summary
A picture book by Caldecott medal winner Matt Cordell about a timid squirrel who makes a brave journey to help a relative who is ill.
Evergreen the squirrel is afraid of many things: thunder, hawks, and the dark paths of Buckthorn Forest. But when her mother tasks Evergreen with delivering soup to her sick Granny Oak, the little squirrel must face her fears and make the journey.
Along the way, Evergreen is met by other forest dwellers – some want to help her, but some want her mother’s delicious soup! It’s up to Evergreen to stay the course, and those who help her will surprise and delight young readers.
Using an art style reminiscent of the work of William Steig and Arnold Lobel, Matthew Cordell creates a classic tale of bravery and love.
My Thoughts
I would describe Evergreen as a new book with a classic feel. Evergreen is a sweet character that students will fall in love with. They will also relate to her fears and her bravery in doing hard things.
Readers will get treated to an adventure story that is longer than most picture books (48 pages). But the length feels appropriate for all Evergreen needs to do. Divided into 6 sections, this story could be read in one longer sitting or over multiple days. It will appeal most to students in K-3.
Evergreen offers opportunities to have rich discussions about fear and bravery. Readers can also explore character feelings, traits and character changes over time, and the various roles of minor supporting characters.
I love Matthew Cordell's unique illustration style. It is on full display in this new book. He has chosen muted earth tones which is what I think gives it a classic feel reminiscent of Frog and Toad.
Image obtained from https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250317179/evergreen
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