Sylvia Finds a Way

August 15, 2021
A slug saves the day for some hungry friends. Sylvia, a small slug who likes to practice yoga and consider "the promise of a new day," eyes the lush flower and vegetable garden that a bespectacled, olive-skinned, dark-haired child and adult tend. When Sylvia's friends--Deer, Rabbit, and Crow--invade the garden and try to steal some of its bounty, the humans shoo them away and install a scarecrow and a sign: "KEEP OUT!" Sylvia determines to help her friends gain access. Despite her friends' skepticism (she can't leap, dart, or fly, after all), Sylvia slips under the garden fence and, using her best yoga moves, writes a cursive "PLEASE" in the dirt, which inspires in the humans an act of beneficence: They place carrots, peas, and corn outside the garden fence for the creatures to eat (along with a new sign that reads, "Welcome Everyone"). Illustrations depict Sylvia as spotted with two large cartoon eyes atop her antennae. Following the story is an author's note that includes facts about slugs. But any child wanting to learn more about slugs would do well to find an informational book instead of one that anthropomorphizes them--and that imparts such an earnest and somewhat overbearing message (one that altogether skirts the food chain) about kindness. Yoga fans may get a kick out of a slug mastering a locust pose, but otherwise the story lacks luster. A treacly take on the forbidden-garden narrative. (Picture book. 4-8)

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September 3, 2021

PreS-Gr 2-Often the garden's smallest occupants are those that have the largest impact. Sylvia, the finger-sized slug, is a mindful mollusk that has a deep appreciation for the lush and bountiful garden in which she dwells. Its sights, sounds, and smells delight her senses and she finds it the perfect backdrop for her yoga practice. She stretches like a cobra, bows like a dog, and arches like a cat, all while her more exuberant garden companions make attempts at seizing the garden's tasty treats. The furred and feathered garden interlopers-deer, rabbit, and crow-quickly attract the attention of the gardener with their brash movements. Their hopes of getting the delicious corn, peas, and carrots are dashed when a scarecrow appears in the garden. Luckily, Sylvia has a plan. With a bit of grit and a lot of grace, Sylvia uses her greatest assets-kindness, flexibility, and slime-to ask the gardener to share her harvest. Shaw's evocative descriptions of the flora and fauna will engage young readers and the author's note gives factual information about slugs and their value to the garden's ecosystem. Lee's mixed-media illustrations have a sophisticated palette with an aesthetic that grown-up fans of Anna Rifle Bond will appreciate. The balance between boisterous action and meditative zen makes this title a standout among yoga picture books. VERDICT A fun, frolicking tale, and welcome addition to picture book collections, that sneaks in an etiquette lesson without feeling overly didactic.-Sarah Simpson, Westerville P.L., OH

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