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YOUNGER FICTION
Cordell, Matthew

Cornbread & Poppy

80 pp. | Little | January, 2022 | Trade ISBN 978-0-7595-5487-0 $15.99 | Paper ISBN 978-0-7595-5486-3 $6.99 | Ebook ISBN 978-0-7595-5484-9 $9.99
(1) 1-3 In the first two books of a beginning reader series, Cordell (Wolf in the Snow, rev. 11/16; Bear Island, rev. 3/21) introduces two mice who are best friends sharing adventures. The series starter, Cornbread & Poppy, begins as a takeoff on Aesop's "Ant and the Grasshopper," with responsible Cornbread's pantry stocked for winter and fun-loving Poppy facing shortages. The tale continues with a trek into the ­mountains--and a new (old) friend encounter. Carnival is slightly lower-stakes, ­centering on a carnival visit where Cornbread refuses to go on most of the rides. In each book, three short chapters set up, continue, and then resolve the friends' manageable problems. Cordell's pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are textured and appealing, supporting the texts and illuminating vocabulary that might be out of sight-word range for new readers building fluency. Words are occasionally lettered into the illustrations to heighten action ("SHRIEK!" and "SCREAM!" at the carnival) and give readers more to think about and explore. Cordell resists making the pals stock characters--sometimes Cornbread steps up to be the brave one and Poppy's the one who's nervous. With these two gentle and nuanced explorations of friendship, this duo is well set up for future outings. Review covers these titles: Cornbread & Poppy and Cornbread & Poppy at the Carnival.
Reviewer: Adrienne L. Pettinelli | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2022

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