Reach for this book when your child is facing a long wait, a seasonal change, or the responsibility of caring for something fragile. It is a perfect choice for children who feel deeply attached to objects or who are struggling with the patience required for things to come back around in their own time. The story follows Ernst, a young blue crocodile, who finds a wooden tail that has fallen off a carousel dog. Instead of keeping it as a trophy, he nurtures and protects it through the long, cold winter until the carousel reopens in the spring. Elisa Kleven's lyrical prose and intricate, multi-media illustrations offer a comforting embrace for children ages 4 to 8. The book beautifully models empathy and accountability, showing that even the smallest acts of stewardship can lead to immense joy. It serves as a gentle reminder that some of the best things in life require waiting and that looking after something for the sake of another is a reward in itself.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book is entirely secular and safe. It touches lightly on the sadness of seasonal endings and the temporary loss of a favorite activity, but the resolution is joyful and hopeful.
A thoughtful 5 or 6-year-old who is perhaps a bit of a collector or a 'caretaker' of toys. It is perfect for a child who feels a strong emotional bond with inanimate objects or who is learning how to navigate the 'off-season' of a sport or hobby.
This is a gentle, straightforward read that can be enjoyed cold. Parents may want to linger on the detailed collage illustrations to point out the various textures and 'found objects' Kleven uses. A parent might choose this after seeing their child cry because a park is closed, a toy is broken, or a favorite seasonal event has ended. It is for the 'this isn't fair, I want it now' moment.
Younger children (4-5) will focus on the magic of the carousel and the mystery of the lost tail. Older children (7-8) will better appreciate the metaphor of the changing seasons and the discipline required for Ernst to keep his promise to the wooden dog.
Kleven’s art style is the standout here. The multi-media collage reflects the theme of taking something broken and making it beautiful again, mirroring the protagonist's internal emotional work.
Ernst, a creative and sensitive blue crocodile, visits a carousel that is closing for the winter. He discovers that the tail of his favorite wooden dog has snapped off. Ernst takes the tail home, treating it with tenderness and imagining its history, while shielding it from the winter elements. When spring returns, he brings the tail back to the carousel operator, ensuring his favorite ride is whole once again.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.