Heartwood Hotel Book 2: The Greatest Gift by Kallie George; illustrated by Stephanie Graegin (Toronto, HarperCollins) $17
Kallie George is a Vancouver writer who has published several picture books and most recently the Heartwood Hotel series for younger readers.
The Greatest Gift is the sequel to A True Home, and most of the animals of Fernwood Forest make an appearance. Mona the mouse is thrilled to finally have a home, a job and a best friend as a roommate. The St. Slumber festivities are over and Mona is looking forward to a peaceful time when many of the hotel’s guests hibernate and she can rest. Unfortunately, an arrogant rabbit, Duchess Hazeline, arrives unexpectedly and makes annoying demands, the food supplies mysteriously dwindle and Mona agonizes over how to reciprocate after receiving some lovely gifts at the staff dinner.
When Mona and Tilly chase a suspected thief into a snowy blizzard, they discover why the food has been disappearing and get lost in the woods trying to sort out the problem. A good friendship is eventually renewed, the Duchess has a change of heart, and all is well in the end.
Charming, and the animal characters are a delight. Lucky readers should know there is another Heartwood Hotel adventure in the works.
Fran Ashdown was the children’s librarian at the Capilano branch of the North Vancouver District Public Library. She would love to live in a tree hotel. For more information check your local libraries.
