As previously mentioned, it is that time of year when the bookstore puts together its holiday newsletter. One title that will be reviewed is the picture book, The Ranger by Nancy Vo.
The coworker who will have the honor of letting our readers know about Vo’s book was speaking with another coworker who said she felt it looked scary. And while it is not scary, it is not light hearted either There are several contradictions in feelings. There is an odd tone to the story overall. It is a mixture of being both spiritual and earthly. There is a lot going on that is supernatural but at the same time, it is very realistic. The illustrators are dark, cold to the sight even, yet, comfortable. Where there is no color, or limited color, is as important as where there is color. Everything is sparse. Much you fill in, but you are rarely, if at all, left wondering what happens.
Book two in the Crow Stories Trilogy, this book is a simple story: a ranger meets a fox in a trap. She rescues the fox, but refuses to tame it, yet the fox seems to tame itself. And in turn, the fox later returns the favor. When the Ranger asks if that makes them even, the foxes (and ultimately the Ranger’s) responses teaches a lesson on friendship. I am going to assume that The Outlaw is book one in this Trilogy and the third is not in the pipeline yet.
At least for ages 5 and up as there are some tense scenes (the fox in the trap, later what happens to the Ranger). But it would be an interesting read aloud in a classroom for older students. But not necessarily a traditional bedtime story.