Evan and the Skygoats

After three-year-old Evan’s sister Sky dies, he and his family struggle to cope. As he tenderly navigates his grief, often by seeking her spirit in the sky, a visitor arrives. She brings with her a freshness of spirit and a novel idea: what the family needs is to adopt baby goats. While Vassar’s often long-winded narrative may challenge young readers and listeners alike, the transition into a work of surreal folklore, via a dreamlike, goat-attended journey to the sky, vivifies the story. Cornet’s appealing mixed-media artwork depicts the ethereal, star-speckled journey as Evan and his goat companions navigate the heavens in search of his sister. Final pages include guided “love thoughts” for both those grieving and those offering their support. A lovely, if meandering, offering for readers seeking additional grief resources. Ages 3–up. [em](Oct.) [/em]