The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures

Starred review from April 19, 2021
Pale-skinned, red-haired Roberta is intent on rescuing small beings that are stranded or struggling—“Tiny creatures need friends who can rescue and understand them.” But her classmates don’t understand: “Ms. Williams! Roberta has been picking up worms again!” When their classroom wall is suddenly teeming with baby spiders, the other kids shrink away. But Roberta knows what to do, and with a classmate’s help, she organizes a spider rescue—and shows the class that spiders might actually be wondrous beings. Childlike images by Cummins (From Ed’s to Ned’s) use expressive, charcoal-y lines and bright colors to present information clearly, including the insects Roberta’s interested in, how they behave (“The millipede... curled into a spiral when I picked it up”), and how it’s possible to take those it’s too late to save and look at them under the microscope. This substantive story by Manley (Just Right: Searching for the Goldilocks Planet) is both a STEM tale about insects and a lesson in staying true to oneself, as Roberta’s distinctive interest takes her from odd kid out to minor celebrity with a like-minded new friend. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Emily van Beek, Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management.

June 1, 2021
All critters deserve protection--even icky ones. So believes Roberta, whose self-appointed job it is to rescue unloved creepy-crawlies. Classmates scoff, but she's undeterred, ensuring that bees, worms, beetles, spiders, and others of their ilk--many-legged or legless--are not trampled or otherwise mistreated. Her kindheartedness isn't always appreciated: Mom won't allow a snail in her garden, and a dragonfly can bite. Then comes the day when not only spiders, but classmates and teacher require rescuing. When a horde of "stripy specks with legs" invades her classroom, Roberta springs into action with a nifty idea that entails her enlisting the aid of a classmate proficient at origami. What happens next not only involves the safe rescue and release of numerous baby spiders, but also earns new respect among Roberta's mates for tiny creatures--and, especially, for Roberta and her knowledge. An added bonus is a budding new friendship. This charming, understated tale will encourage young readers and listeners to reevaluate their own ideas about creatures they might have previously ignored or disliked. Interesting facts about some creatures occur unobtrusively throughout the narrative. Roberta and her family present White, and the lively illustrations depict other humans as racially diverse; rescuees are equally diverse and appealing. The backmatter includes information about Roberta's creatures and instructions for creating a paper origami box. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A welcome portrayal of a young female undaunted by bugs and slime. (Picture book. 4-8)

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Starred review from October 2, 2021

K-Gr 4-Animal lovers unite! This adorable picture book has such depth in a simple message, to save every animal, no matter how small. Roberta, a brave, freckled redhead, is eager to help any and all stranded critters. "I rescue tiny creatures, it's a special job." The story opens with Roberta telling how she finds the smallest beetle stuck on its back or worm stranded in the middle of a sidewalk and simply gives them a little help on their way. Students often tattle on her for touching bugs, but Roberta sees herself as a hero to all living things and does not waiver in her intentions to help. One day, the class finds itself surrounded by a bunch of spiders on the wall! Roberta enlists her friend Maria to teach the class how to make origami boxes to remove each spider carefully in its own little box. The class watches in awe as the silk spiders fly away on the wind. In her quiet way, Roberta has inspired her class to see each tiny creature as a living being with needs and deserving of respect. Roberta and her friends dream of one day saving the biggest animals like pandas, polar bears, and maybe even a kraken. The end of the book shows how to make your own origami spider house and gives information on the creatures discussed in the book. Cummins delivers joyful, brightly colored scenes that makes every creepy crawly relatable, and includes children of various races. VERDICT A first purchase for young reader collections.-Tracy Cronce, Stevens Point Pub. Sch. District, WI

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2021
What do you do when you spot an earthworm stranded on a school sidewalk? For Roberta, the answer's easy: you rescue it, of course. Saving millipedes, ladybugs, snails, and other tiny critters is her "special job. A job no one else seems to care about." After Roberta squats to pick up the worm, she's momentarily transformed, with a page-turn, into a proud superhero, standing tall, sporting a red cape. But it's a fleeting image, for in the next spread, her shoulders hunch over as a classmate tattles, "Ms. Williams! Roberta has been picking up worms again!" With judicious use of bright color, white space, and eye-catching perspective, Cummins's loose-handed illustrations honor Roberta's compassionate rescue efforts. The specific, reassuring details (a baby spider is "just a stripy speck with legs"; a dragonfly's bite is a "little pinch") in Manley's text nudge readers to view teeny creatures as Roberta does -- with kindness, respect, and scientific curiosity. After the satisfying success of an "impossible" rescue mission -- requiring all her classmates' help and some origami boxes -- Roberta finds she has a new sidekick (or maybe even two!). Empathy, problem solving, science, and newfound friendship mesh neatly here -- and fit the bill for both social-emotional learning time and elementary-school science class. Final pages include facts about ten different creatures as well as instructions for making an origami box with a lockable lid. Tanya D. Auger

(Copyright 2021 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from June 1, 2021
Preschool-Grade 3 *Starred Review* Roberta is always on the lookout for bugs, worms, and other small animals in need of help. Is there a ladybug in the house? She gently releases it outdoors. A worm stranded on the pavement? She moves it to the grass, despite taunts from other kids. One day, dozens of tiny spiders appear on the classroom wall. Roberta takes charge, asking one classmate to help the others make origami boxes. Roberta shows them how to catch the hatchlings in their paper boxes and then leads the kids outside to release them. As the spiderlings climb the school wall, Roberta explains their amazing journey. No one teases her now. Her classmates are awestruck by these fascinating creatures. Two appended pages carry notes on "Roberta's Favorite Tiny Creatures Worth Rescuing" and instructions for making an origami box. The appealing, cartoonlike pictures illustrate the action and the characters' emotions effectively. Well worded and engaging, Roberta's first-person narrative is heartening in several ways. She feels so strongly about helping animals that she continues despite ridicule. By sharing her knowledge, she unexpectedly earns her classmates' respect. And more broadly, one person can make a difference, not only through action but also by influencing others. An original picture book and a rewarding read-aloud choice.

COPYRIGHT(2021) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 1, 2021
What do you do when you spot an earthworm stranded on a school sidewalk? For Roberta, the answer's easy: you rescue it, of course. Saving millipedes, ladybugs, snails, and other tiny critters is her "special job. A job no one else seems to care about." After Roberta squats to pick up the worm, she's momentarily transformed, with a page-turn, into a proud superhero, standing tall, sporting a red cape. But it's a fleeting image, for in the next spread, her shoulders hunch over as a classmate tattles, "Ms. Williams! Roberta has been picking up worms again!" With judicious use of bright color, white space, and eye-catching perspective, Cummins's loose-handed illustrations honor Roberta's compassionate rescue efforts. The specific, reassuring details (a baby spider is "just a stripy speck with legs"; a dragonfly's bite is a "little pinch") in Manley's text nudge readers to view teeny creatures as Roberta does -- with kindness, respect, and scientific curiosity. After the satisfying success of an "impossible" rescue mission -- requiring all her classmates' help and some origami boxes -- Roberta finds she has a new sidekick (or maybe even two!). Empathy, problem solving, science, and newfound friendship mesh neatly here -- and fit the bill for both social-emotional learning time and elementary-school science class. Final pages include facts about ten different creatures as well as instructions for making an origami box with a lockable lid.

(Copyright 2021 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)