Little Burro

PreS-Gr 1—Little Burro, "the only little burro in a band of wild burros," loves her hillside canyon home. When her band leaves its canyon to visit a nearby lake, a whole new world opens up for her. But leaving her familiar surroundings is not easy, and she must be brave. Young readers will relate to Little Burro's trepidation, as well as the reassurance that a nearby caregiver provides when exploring the unknown. Arnosky has created a relatable protagonist with personality to spare, without relying on anthropomorphized characterization. His understated, compelling narrative offers a great read-aloud choice that will work just as well, if not better, one-on-one; the story naturally lends itself to a discussion of desert flora and fauna. Acrylic and white chalk illustrations reflect the habitat's sweeping, ever-changing beauty. The pictures have subtly shifting color schemes that follow Little Burro's adventures throughout the day, emphasizing the muted khakis, ambers, teals, greens, and purples of the landscape. Arnosky's careful attention to the vibrant detail found in natural settings will delight fans of his previous work, including Raccoon on His Own (2001) and Otters Under Water (1992, both Putnam). Eagle-eyed readers will particularly enjoy following the diminutive pair of ruby-throated hummingbirds that accompany Little Burro on each page of her journey.—Ted McCoy, Oakland Public Library, CA