Nothing Wee About Me! A Magical Adventure

It’s almost time for Sunday soup at Grandma Rose’s house, and Liesel, sporting a shirt in the same colors as her grandmother’s, is determined to fit in an adventure before supper. Balancing the magic ladle upward, she closes her eyes, makes a wish, and is transported to the depths of ocean in a submarine. Peering through her “ladle-scope,” she sees a volcanic island in imminent danger, and, speeding to the rescue, encounters two villainous obstacles: a lion pirate captain in suspenders and a many-scaled dragon, each of whom mistakes her for a “wee girl.” The fearless child challenges them (“There’s nothing wee about me!”)—wielding her “ladle-hook” at the pirate and a pointy “ladle-sword” at the beast—and both cower at her fierceness of spirit. Together, Chaffee’s lively tale and Bobbiesi’s scratchy watercolor-and-ink illustrations offer a welcome reminder that courage can come in surprising packages. Ages 4–8. (Nov.[em]) [/em]