The Tortoise and the Hare by Jerry Pinkney

unpgd. Little, Brown and Company, October, 2013. 978031618567. (Purchased.)

Really, after five starred reviews from all the major professional review journals, what can I add that would be new, helpful or instructive? Nothing. Except my admiration for the artist whose creative output shows no sign of diminishing. And the world is a better place for it. Knock, knock, knock. Caldecott Committee? I do hope this is on the pile to be seriously discussed come January.

Mr. Pinkney returns to Aesop for inspiration and he sets the famous race in the American southwest. As he explains in the author note, The Tortoise and the Hare was a favorite of his growing up, especially as a dyslexic child, who had extra obstacles to overcome. He also explains his reason for setting the race in the southwest. Please do not skip reading the note when you read the book. And, please reread this nearly wordless wonder more than once. 

The mixed media, graphite watercolor, colored pencil, gouache and pastel illustrations beg to be read slowly. Pore over each page and pick out details you missed in earlier readings. Notice the slow unfolding of the moral of the fable on the pages featuring the tortoise. Notice the repetition and signatory red of the new word. Curl up with a beloved little one to share this. Share it with emerging readers. Share it with ESL students of any age. Share it in middle school LA and or art class. Share it. It's a keeper.