Beneath the Bridge

Anne Hutchings, a former elementary-school teacher-librarian with the
Durham Board of Education, is an educational consultant.

The award-winning duo of Hutchins and Ohi have once again collaborated
successfully on two new titles.

Beneath the Bridge, which is somewhat reminiscent of Holling Clancy
Holling’s Paddle-to-the-Sea but for much younger audiences, is quieter
and more reflective in tone, but no less imaginative. In this cumulative
poem a young child launches a tiny paper boat. In its journey to the sea
it travels down small streams and big rivers, through the countryside,
past villages and towns and bustling cities. Danger is never far off for
the tiny vessel, but with the help of other caring adventurers, the
little boat reaches its destination. In the final stanza the child vows
to make the same journey someday, “but for now it sails for me.”

Beneath the Bridge would be a perfect choice for a bedtime story.

In The Sidewalk Rescue, Morgan quickly summons help when her little
sister, Josie, “enters” her sidewalk chalk picture. The creativity
of the entire neighbourhood is called upon to save Josie from a series
of near misses. As each new challenge (from a mean and nasty lion to an
enormous tidal wave) is encountered, a neighbour comes to the rescue,
grabbing some chalk and adding to Josie’s drawing. This alteration
saves Josie from one disaster, but propels her along to the next.
Ultimately, it is Morgan who brings Josie home safe and sound.
Completely unfazed, Josie immediately begins work on a new picture, this
one with dragons and castles.

Children can let their imaginations run loose with this delightful
romp, which is full of action and excitement. Both books are
recommended.