Chris Wormell is an author and illustrator whom I am particularly fond of. Here is one of his newest books.
Chris Wormell
Picture Book
Ages 4 to 6
Random House UK , 2011, 978-0-224-08394-2
One evening a small and rather scruffy bear is out walking when he comes to the edge of a “dark and gloomy” wood. Scruffy Bear is just about to begin walking around the wood, when he hears a squeaking noise that suggests that there are animals in distress somewhere in the wood. Into the wood the bear goes, and sure enough in the middle of the wood he encounters six terrified white mice that are lost. They beg Scruffy Bear to help them because they are sure that “now that night is coming we’ll be gobbled up by owls – or foxes – or snakes for certain.”
No sooner have they said these words, than Scruffy Bear and the mice hear the hoot of an owl. They have to do something before the six mice end up inside the owl’s stomach. With no time to lose, Scruffy bear tells the mice to “curl up tight” and “tuck in your tails.” Scruffy Bear has an idea that might just work.
With his wonderful illustrations and charming characters, Chris Wormell honors everyone who has had to be brave and quick thinking under difficult circumstances. Though Scruffy Bear is not very big or strong, he uses his wits to help animals that are small and defenseless.