Soldier, is a young porcupine whose quills go a different direction. This means no hugs for Soldier, which makes him sad and his family too. When his dad whittles a flute for Soldier, he plays his beautiful, but sad, music each night. A kind field mouse hears the music, sees what is causing the porcupine so much pain, and hatches a plan to help Soldier get the hugs he so desperately needs. Your heart will melt at the end of this sweet story. We are reminded that we're all unique and that acts of kindness make the world a better place.
My favorite part about reading this book with Margo is that she screams out, "I love you, Soldier" when we get to the field mouse's solution. Making the story even more fun is the adorable Soldier stuffed animal that goes with the book. It's handmade and so cut!
I recommend Soldier to anyone who likes to celebrate what makes us each unique and those who understand that creating a better world starts with personal acts of kindness. After reading this book you'll want to hug more often and brighten someone's day. The writing and illustrations fit perfectly, and if you order the book online it comes in a beautiful envelope (ideal for gift giving :).
Stop by Saturday for a special interview with the author, Kara Van Kirk Levin.
Happy Reading!
~F
Well, now I want to know the secret to hugging a porcupine...
ReplyDeleteAlex- You will have to read the story to find out! :) ~F
DeleteNot sure I like that he is called a Soldier, hope it has some good explanation or meaning. The story itself seems lovely
ReplyDeleteDezmond- Soldier is such a sweet character and readers will love him. It truly is a lovely and heartwarming story. :) ~F
DeleteThis sounds really cute!
ReplyDeletebetty
Betty- It really is! :) ~F
DeleteMay have to go to great lengths to get that hug.
ReplyDeletePat- Some hugs may take a while, but it was worth it! :) ~F
DeleteThis sounds so sweet! I do love porcupines, though I'll admit I may not want to hug one ;)
ReplyDeleteMeradeth- Hugging porcupines could be a problem- unless they have the solution presented to Soldier. :) ~F
DeleteI will have to check this one out. It sounds perfectly adorable. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteRosi- It is a super sweet story and one that kids will really enjoy (adults too). :) ~F
DeleteSounds like a sweet story! I think the stuffed animal that goes with it, is a great marketing idea. Kids will love it.
ReplyDeleteSherry- It is! The stuffed animal is absolutely adorable. The whole book package is very beautifully done. :) ~F
DeleteThis sounds WONDERFUL.
ReplyDeleteEC- Margo and I loved it! The illustrations are beautiful too! :) ~F
DeleteThat stuffed animal... I want it! The title is completely different than I thought the story would turn out to be. I like what you took away - that everyone is unique and being kind akes the world better.
ReplyDeleteI saw a video on youtube just days ago with a hedgehog with no fur or quills. Poor guy needs lotion and looks like a grumpy old man!
Adriana- The stuffed animal is so adorable and it is handmade. I love that the story has such a great takeaway message for all of us. :)
DeleteThat poor hedgehog. Maybe he needs the solution in the story! ~F
Soldier sounds so cute! And the fact that the book comes with a handmade stuffed animals truly makes it special. If only every children's book came with one. :)
ReplyDeleteChrys- I can't get over how cute Soldier is and having the chance to get the stuffed animal with the book makes the magic last even longer. :) ~F
DeleteHi DMS - Soldier sounds a wonderful story for little ones and I'm sure slightly older ones will learn lots - now I want to find out how to hug a porcupine! Brilliant - clever story line ... and that hand-made stuffed animal will just delight. Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary- You will love the story and the hand-made Soldier will melt your heart. :) ~F
DeleteI often wondered how a porcupine would get a hug... too cute, it sounds like a sweet book xox ♥
ReplyDeleteLaunna- Everyone needs hugs and I was happy to learn that there was an answer for Soldier. :) ~F
DeleteWhat a sweet book.
ReplyDeleteIt really is! I love Soldier. :) ~F
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