Snowboy and the Last Tree Standing

PreS-Gr 2—Meet Snowboy, a child attired in pajamas, a pointy cap, and his Cloak of Many Uses, and armed with a lively imagination. Snowboy's game is interrupted, however, by Greenbackboy. Taller than Snowboy and slyly self-assured, Greenbackboy sports suspenders and an animal-ear hat. "I know a better game than this," he tells Snowboy. "It's called KA-CHING, and it starts in the forests." Unfortunately, Greenbackboy's "game" involves the speedy, irresponsible depletion of natural resources in exchange for money. Snowboy is uncomfortable with Greenbackboy's directives to cut down all the trees in the forest and catch all the fish in the oceans, so he hides a single remaining tree with his cloak and discreetly lets two fish go. When Greenbackboy inevitably learns that "you can't eat KA-CHING," readers realize that slowly, the tiny tree and the two fish can help heal the wrecked land. The pencil-based drawings inked with rich, earthy hues are lovely. The tiny tree and all the fish appear to glow golden, emphasizing how precious and valuable they are. The KA-CHING (gold) glows similarly, a visual depiction of its true cost. Snowboy and Greenbackboy have expressive faces, and Snowboy's animal companions are a sweet touch. Though it's cute and quirky, the story has a clear purpose: to help children understand the importance of conserving natural resources.