Scarlet's Tale by Audrey Vernick (review)
Buy Issue for $25 at JHUP- Scarlet's Tale by Audrey Vernick
Vernick, Audrey Scarlet's Tale; illus. by Jarvis. Little, 2021 [40p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781368043083 $17.99 Reviewed from galleys R 4-6 yrs
When Scarlet is born, she's a beautiful little baby with one special characteristic: a lovely russet fox's tail. That's all fine until she grows up and goes to school, and the novelty of her tail elicits stares and suspicion. Fortunately, Scarlet soon makes two good friends, and then the rest of the class begins to see the benefits of Scarlet's special characteristic ("Before long, most kids at Scarlet's school wagged their behinds when they were happy"). This is a solid entry in the classic category of adjusting to fantastical differences; Vernick's tone moves easily from playful to sympathetic, and it's clear that Scarlet's only real problem is the world's response to her. Comfy illustrations feature figures with soft yet lively lines brushed speedily with digital paints in sunny hues; Scarlet's tail is a lovely feature, but the art cleverly avoids making it a focal point in most illustrations, instead weaving it into the visual rhythm of group scenes. Kids will find plenty of food for thought and discussion here, and they'll be tickled by the closing arrival of Scarlet's amazing new brother.
