On a wintry day, a bear loses his soft red scarf. The wind carries it *whoosh* to a pair of raccoons who use it to play tug-o-war. When they run off, a beaver dons the scarf as the perfect winter hat...until it gets tangled on a tree branch. The scarf is lost and found by a series of animals, including a fox and a couple of rascally squirrels, who use it as everything from a swing to a trampoline.
When all the animals lay claim to the scarf at once, calamity ensues that can only be fixed by a bear, a little patience, and friendship, in this nearly wordless, clever picture book.
Publishers Weekly
★ 08/24/2015
A bear in a red scarf trudges through a snowy forest when a cold wind carries the scarf away (“Lost”). The scarf is quickly discovered by two raccoons (“Found”). Except for a few well-placed sound effects, these two alternating words make up the whole of Arnold’s (Roar of a Snore) text, while Cordell (First Grade Dropout) draws a forest full of comedy with scribbly lines that wobble, twist, and leap. The raccoons play tug-of-war with the scarf until one lets go; “chit! chit!” the other scolds. A snowball is thrown, a chase begins, and the scarf becomes everything from a turban to a mouse trampoline. When all of the animals rediscover the scarf at the same time, they pounce, and it’s mayhem and destruction, with mountains of red yarn everywhere. The way the animals make things right with the scarf’s original owner adds sweetness to the mix, but it’s the giggly impulsiveness of the forest’s wildlife that provides the entertainment—the effect is half nature documentary, half Marx Brothers. Ages 3–6. Author’s agent: Karen Grencik, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (Nov.)
From the Publisher
The way the animals make things right with the scarf's original owner adds sweetness to the mix, but it's the giggly impulsiveness of the forest's wildlife that provides the entertainment-the effect is half nature documentary, half Marx Brothers.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review"The attention to detail and the expressions displayed on the animals’ faces are superb. A fun addition to any picture book collection."—School Library Journal, starred review
Children's Literature - Natalie Gurr
What’s a bear to do when a sneaky wind creeps up and whisks away his favorite red scarf? Sadly, it is now lost; but when two mischievous raccoons come upon the lost red scarf, it becomes found anew. That is, until they get to fussing and lose it once more. Thus begins the wintery adventures of Bear’s favorite red scarf. The cozy red scarf serves the woodland creatures’ many needs in imaginative ways, such as a fashionable beaver turban or a slinky swing for a fun-loving otter. All the animals enjoy their newfound scarf, but all good things must come to an end; and the traveling scarf is lost once more. Will the scarf ever make its way back to Bear? This is a fun romp through a frosty forest that explores creativity and friendship. Two simple words and delightful drawings create an amusing story that even adults will enjoy discovering with their children. Reviewer: Natalie Gurr; Ages 4 to 7.
School Library Journal
★ 11/01/2015
PreS-Gr 2—A woolly red scarf floats through the wintry air in a forest filled with animals. The scarf is sent on an eventful escapade as it enters and escapes the custody of a series of wily woodland creatures. A raucous and humorous tale of sharing and working together, the story is comprised of only two words used again and again—lost and found—with some onomatopoeia accompanying the pictures. This simplicity is perfect for allowing the art to tell the story. The palette is mostly made up of shades of red, green, and light blue, with black outline on stark white paper, and the depth and boldness of the watercolors intensify in the last few pages. While the theme of camaraderie and respect for others is saved for the end, the journey to get there is packed with action and humor that will keep kids turning the pages. VERDICT The attention to detail and the expressions displayed on the animals' faces are superb. A fun addition to any picture book collection.—Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE
Kirkus Reviews
2015-08-05
Just two words (and many amusing sound effects) form the text of this visually driven story about conflict resolution, resourcefulness, community—and a red scarf.When a bear loses its red scarf on a blustery day, two raccoons find it and engage in a tug of war. Then one raccoon hits the other with a snowball in retribution, and they both abandon the scarf and take off after each other. The scarf is once again "Lost," only to be "Found" again in short order by an industrious beaver who wears it like a turban. Alas, when the scarf snags on a branch overhead (it is a very tall turban), the scarf is yet again "Lost." And so continues the story, with Cordell's humorous illustrations depicting various animals finding and losing the scarf until they all come together at book's end with a pile of yarn at their feet. The scarf is ruined, but all is not lost: the animals gather up the yarn, and the bear begins to knit. Then the beaver lends a hand while the other animals sip hot beverages provided by the bear, and by the final page, the scarf is whole again. In a happy bit of artistic license, it's now long enough for the animals to share as they sit around a cozy campfire.What is "Found" now? A community, that's what. (Picture book. 3-7)
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