In TOOFER & THE GIBLET, author Paulette LeBlanc tells the story of two mice who live inside the Humbletree. Toofer is an introverted, wise little mouse who likes to read and keep his mousehole tidy. Meanwhile, The Giblet is outgoing, inquisitive, and loves to go on little adventures without giving much thought to the consequences. The Giblet thinks very highly of himself and believes that tiny creatures (e.g., ants) have matters just as important to attend to as himself. But he is also quick to assume things, and thus has trouble processing his mouse-sized feelings. Toofer helps him overcome his fears and uncertainties. However, Toofer, with his reserved persona, also needs The Giblet in his life.
TOOFER & THE GIBLET is a masterclass in subtlety. Writing for children comes with its constraints; the author has to meet their comprehension abilities and attention spans with restraint. This heartwarming book achieves these goals by offering an opportunity to explore big feelings through character-driven stories. The prose is descriptive without being dense. The tone has a child-like wonder to it, which makes it not only engaging but also relatable to children. “Behind the tiny mousehole door with its even tinier mousehole doorknob” and “Little ant jobs and little ant houses?” playfully employ repetition in a way that will grab children's attention.
The contrast in characters is not revealed through dense backstories; instead, it's grounded in their habits and dispositions. Toofer’s wisdom and contemplative persona are established through his mannerisms and introverted tendencies, while The Giblet’s outgoing persona is solidified through his adventures and imagination. The stories also tackle such complex feelings as jealousy, embarrassment, greed, and sadness in a way that feels relatable and authentic. For example, when The Giblet is betrayed by his wallaby friend Jack, he expresses heartbreak: “But before I met Jack, I was happily going about my business, not missing him, not missing on a plan I’d never heard of.”
Dimitry Morozov's illustrations are a stunning extension of the narrative. With transparent watercolor washes, Morozov makes them incredibly detailed through value contrasts while offering a glimpse into Toofer and The Giblet’s heartwarming friendship, life, and adventures. Meanwhile, the muted tones make them perfectly suitable for kids with sensory issues. In addition, the map at the end of the book makes it easier to visualize life in Nimblewood Forest, cementing TOOFER & THE GIBLET as a great opportunity for parents, teachers, and caregivers to have interactive reading sessions with younger readers.
Paulette LeBlanc's heartwarming chapter book with pictures TOOFER & THE GIBLET achieves all its narrative goals by integrating life lessons about complex emotions into short, accessible, character-driven stories. The beautiful hand-painted watercolor illustrations by Dmitry Morozov make this work suitable for children with sensory issues.
~ Maria Zafar for IndieReader