Reach for this book when you want to nurture a child's natural sense of wonder or help a little one who is feeling overwhelmed by the expectations of the holiday season. It is a perfect choice for the 'out of the box' thinker who finds magic in a simple stick rather than a flashy toy. The story follows Stickler, an enthusiastic eight-eyed creature who tries to show a grumpy Crow the hidden 'decorations' and beauty found in the natural world. Lane Smith uses his signature whimsical art to explore themes of gratitude, perspective, and the joy of shared experiences. It is a gentle, humorous reminder that the best parts of the holidays are found in nature and friendship, making it ideal for children ages 4 to 8 who might be feeling a bit of 'holiday fatigue.'
The book is entirely secular and metaphorical. It deals with differing emotional states (joy vs. cynicism) and social cues. There are no heavy topics like death or trauma.
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Sign in to write a reviewAn imaginative 6-year-old who collects rocks and twigs like they are gold, or a child who feels pressured by the commercial side of Christmas and needs a reminder of simple joys.
None required. The book is a delightful read-aloud that works well cold. Parents should be prepared to use different voices for the exuberant Stickler and the droll Crow. A parent might reach for this after seeing their child become 'Scrooge-like' or ungrateful, or conversely, to celebrate a child who is deeply connected to nature.
Preschoolers will delight in Stickler's funny appearance and the physical comedy of the illustrations. Older elementary students (grades 1-3) will better appreciate the irony of the dialogue and the deeper message about perspective and empathy for a grumpy friend.
Unlike many holiday books that focus on Santa or traditional gift-giving, this one celebrates 'found' magic. Smith's sophisticated, textured art style elevates the simple 'misfit' narrative into a contemplative piece of visual storytelling.
Stickler, a spindly and enthusiastic forest dweller with multiple eyes, is obsessed with the wonders of the natural world. When he encounters a grumpy, cynical Crow during the winter, Stickler assumes Crow just hasn't seen the 'decorations' yet. He takes Crow on a tour of the woods, reframing frozen puddles as silver ornaments and pinecones as treasures. While Crow remains skeptical, Stickler's relentless joy and gift of a simple, perfect stick eventually bridge the gap between them.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.