Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Snyder
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Courage triumphs in this sweet tale about helping others.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A fearful squirrel named EVERGREEN is tasked with delivering healing soup to a very sick Granny Oak in Buckthorn Forest. Though Evergreen is afraid of literally everything and lacks any belief in her own ability, she sets off on a journey filled with suspense, strange sounds, and a mix of friends and enemies. At each stop, however, she is able to help other characters who are in a jam -- even though she is scared. Will she be able to finish the job and deliver the soup to Granny Oak? What will she learn about herself along the way?
Is It Any Good?
This endearing story reminds us that great things can be accomplished, even in the face of fear. Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell has such a gift for personifying animal characters that readers fall in love with, and he does it again in Evergreen. He pulls on readers' heartstrings by conveying Evergreen's fear, but he also empowers readers by showing how she's able to help so many others, even though she's afraid. An unexpected twist, along with Cordell's unique artistic style, cement both the story and the life lessons in this modern classic.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about courage in Evergreen. What did Evergreen fear? What keeps her going on her journey? How does she feel when she returns home?
Who are the animals that Evergreen meets on her journey? Pick one and tell how Evergreen was able to help the character.
Think about a time when you were afraid to do something. What did you fear? What kept you going? How did you feel when it was over?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Matthew Cordell
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Feiwel & Friends
- Publication date : February 7, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 2 - 5
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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