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Reviewed by: Emily McFarlane, Elementary School Librarian Title: Cress Watercress Author: Gregory Maguire Publisher: Candlewick Press
Year: 2022 Good for Grades: 2-5 Genre/Type of Book: Fantasy
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: Parent death, strong language, mild references to drinking Recommended for a school library: Yes Reason(s) for choosing the book: A contender for our One School, One Book read If you were tasked by the publisher with writing a short quote for the back cover of this book, what would it be: Finding a new community can lead you to finding yourself. |
Review:
When Papa doesn't return from a nocturnal honey-gathering expedition, Mama moves the Watercress family from the warren Cress has always known to a new home: The Broken Arms, a run-down apartment complex in an old, dead tree. It is run by a grouchy old owl, a meddling mouse, and filled with a colorful cast of characters that aren't Cress' Papa. She is angry, but she, Mama, and her baby brother Kip quickly settle into a new routine of gathering moths to pay rent, playing with the squirrel family upstairs, and exploring the area around their new home. Many misadventures help Cress to learn and grow through her grief and discover a new side of herself.
This was a remarkably delightful story that drew me in immediately. It opens with a midnight flight from the Watercress home, as it won't be safe to stay without Papa around. Cress isn't a fan of this plan, and is frustrated with Mama's choice to uproot her and Kip. Throughout much of the story, she holds out hope that her Papa will return, while Mama is more pragmatic about the situation. Kip has bad lungs and needs honey and ginger to help him when he gets sick, which leads to some of the tension/misadventures in the story. Throughout, Cress meets a delightful cast: the "mean" bear, Tunk, who is more than he seems, Mr. Titus Pillowby, the grouchy owl owner of The Broken Arms who his hiding a deep dark secret, Lady Agatha Cabbage, a bunny-napping skunk, Natasha "Nasty" Nasturtium, a rabbit who needs a friend, and more. All of these characters and more support Cress' journey to understanding and combating her grief over the loss of her Papa in surprising ways. Cress had many ups and downs throughout the story, going through real stages of grief- not understanding herself why she would go from sad to angry with her mother to overwhelmed about everything. She is also very resourceful and clever, outsmarting characters and thinking on her feet when she needs to. At the end of the story, Cress comes up with a wonderful plan to help Mr. Titus Pillowby be a part of the community, as she starts to recognize the value of found family.
Overall, this was a genuinely sweet novel with wonderful vocabulary and an engaging story. It would make a lovely read aloud for younger audiences, and could still engage older ones. There are supposed to be rich illustrations included, but I listened to the audiobook and did not have them included. I would like to see them, though!
This book has been recommended as an OSOB book, which is what our district is considering it for. It would also be perfect for grief counseling, character studies, and helping students who are struggling with what Cress deems "grown up problems." (i.e. getting the rent, being evicted, etc.) It is a good example to help students empathize with someone who has lost a parent as Cress is right in the thick of it. This book goes through seasonal changes from an animal's eyes, which could be connected to curriculum, and there are many SEL topics including how to make and be a good friend, navigating new situations, and letting go of the past.
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