(NOTE: I was given a copy of this book but all opinions are my own.)
There are MANY words that I could use to describe the children’s picture book The Littlest Yak and the New Arrival by Lu Fraser: delightful, fun, sweet, entertaining, amusing, and beautiful to name just a few. But the word I like best is charming. Charming. This book charmed my heart and stayed with me long after I finished reading it.
The plot of the story is one that many parents experience — an only child worried about having to share her parents’ love when a new sibling comes along.
Gertie, a little Yak, lives with her mother in the snowy mountain tops. She is thrilled to be a big sister! She starts planning all of the things she will do in preparation.
And who will take care of Gertie when Mummy is off having her baby? Why Granny Hilda, of course. (Go, Granny, go!) I love that in the illustration, Granny wears glasses. (I identify with that.)
Grandma told Gertie that all of Gertie’s preparations were wonderful. She also said that Gertie needed to learn to share.
Gertie instantly got on board with that and thought of all the things that she could share. One thing was her books.
And this was the part that really captured my heart! Can you read the book titles in the picture below?
In case you can’t, let me tell you a couple of them: The Three Little Yaks, Yak and the Beanstalk, and Sleeping Yak. Sound familiar?
But then! There are grown-up titles, too: Robinson Hoofsoe, The Great Yaksby, The Complete Works of Yakspere, and Yakula. These clever titles tickled my English major heart to no end! What a hoot! (This was my most favorite part of the book.)
Then, Gertie realized that she would have to share Mummy. But more important, would Mummy have room in her heart for two yaks?
Granny comforted Gertie. Yes, Mummy had plenty of room.
Still . . .
Gertie drew her mother’s heart in the snow and filled it with all of the things that Gertie would share. Gertie felt that there was room for only one yak. How could her mother fit in both of them?
Gertie knew the only person who could answer that question was Mummy. So Gertie set off. Into the forest. Where it grew dark. Where the snow started falling. Where Gertie became lost.
But then! The yak herd, lead by Mummy, came to the rescue. Huzzah! (Don’t you just love the startled look in the baby’s eyes?)
Then Mummy Yak erased the heart in the snow that Gertie drew and made it bigger. She assured Gertie that hearts grow and that there would always be room in her heart for Gertie — forever!
Ahhhhh . . .
There are many charming things about this book. First, are the words. They’re cleverly descriptive — like pointiest peak, curly-wool comb, shadow-filled trees, worriedly chasing, and the hug of the herd. No tired, over-used descriptions here.
Next, is the use of color. Blue plus white = cold, cold, cold! You don’t need a thermometer to know that these yaks don’t live in the tropics.
Then there’s the actual illustrations. I love that each yak has its individualized ski hat and blanket. I love that some have freckles and some have bangs. And I love that when Granny goes to sleep that she takes off her glasses and sets her false teeth in a cup of water by her bed.
Best of all, I love the moral of the story: parents’ hearts grow with love to include everyone that comes into the family. So reassuring for children to know!
If it’s as wintery and snowy at your house as it currently is at mine, I highly recommend that you get this book, grab an armful of grandkids, snuggle in a blanket, and read. (If it isn’t cold and snowy where you are, you’re lucky!)
You can get a copy of The Littlest Yak and the New Arrival by Lu Frser on Amazon for $17.
