When Jim the lumberjack chops down some animals’ homes, they find a new one — in his beard!Every day, lumberjack Jim Hickory heads into the forest with his trusty ax and chops down trees. Unfortunately, all sorts of creatures, including a bird, a porcupine, and a beaver, lose their homes in the process, so Jim gives them a home in his beard — until one day it all gets to be too much. Time for Jim to come up with a better solution! This funny story carries a green message.
On sale: October 17, 2017
Age: 5-8 years
Grade: Grades K-3
Page count: 40 Pages
ISBN: 9780763696498
Reading level: Fountas/Pinnell: M
Duncan Beedie is an author and illustrator with more than fourteen years’ experience working in children’s media. He began his career in children’s TV as an animator before branching into design and animation for websites, games, and educational apps. He was a doodler from a very early age and has fond memories of being sprawled on his parents’ living-room floor drawing for hours. He lives in Bristol, England, with his wife, daughter, and tirelessly playful springer spaniel.
British author/illustrator Beedie's digitally created, rustic-styled illustrations extend the silly, simple story nicely with their warm, forest-y hues. A good addition to the growing shelf of facial-hair fables; themes of conservation and friendship are a plus.
—Kirkus Reviews
An easygoing storytelling style, ample visual humor, and the amusingly improbable premise make Beedle’s environmental message go down easy.
—Publishers Weekly
The big, blocky illustrations close with a series of views of the lumberjack and his animal friends sitting protectively around a small tree through multiple seasons until it (and a new beard) grows—and finally gathering beneath its shade to read Jean Giono’s classic The Man Who Planted Trees. Nourishing fare for budding eco-activists.
—Booklist Online
A funny read-aloud with a subtle conservational message.
—School Library Journal
