Two Wool Gloves

On a stormy winter day, Father Squirrel has to find a new home for his family, but every tree is occupied. Then, he finds a lost woolen glove: “There was just enough room in the glove for Mother Squirrel and the five babies,” but Father Squirrel has to stay outside, “trying to shield himself from the cold.” When the boy who lost the glove turns up, “Father Squirrel felt terrible for having taken the boy’s glove. But his family had needed a place to keep warm.” The boy sees what’s happening, and leaves his other glove to shelter the papa. In depicting the power of an act of kindness toward those that face dire necessity, the tale’s themes transcend the seasons, if the telling itself never quite soars. Li uses texture—sweeps and dustings of white—to conjure a stylized wintry world populated by wide-eyed squirrels seeking shelter. Ages 3–7. [em](Oct.) [/em]