1996 KIND Children's Book Award Recipient

Sweet Magnolia
By Virginia Kroll
Illustrated by Laura Jacques
Charlesbridge Publishing; Ages 4-8

In Sweet Magnolia, young Denise leaves her mother and sisters in the city and travels by train to visit her grandmother, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator living in Louisiana. Grandma is eager to share her vast knowledge of the bayou, with its unique animals, lifestyle, and music. Denise encounters many wild creatures, including an owl, a fox, and a young bobcat. She even helps rescue an injured bird and learns an important lesson about the need for wild animals to be free. At the end of the story, Denise returns home with her newfound wisdom and a lagniappe--a special treasure by which to remember her trip.

Virginia Kroll was inspired to write about her subject by her sister's experiences as a state- and federally-licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Sweet Magnolia embodies Kroll's personal belief that "there is no such thing as a wild 'pet' because it is not fair to the animal. Wild animals belong in the wild."

The author is an avid bird watcher, and a painted bunting plays a significant role in her book. She enjoys sharing her interest in birds. "People tell me, 'I used to see a bird. Because of you, now I am looking to see what kind of bird it is,' " she says. "Passion is what writing is all about."

The beautiful full-color illustrations in Sweet Magnolia bring the bayou, with its many creatures and plants, alive. Wildlife artist and children's book illustrator Laura Jacques has created illustrations that give students a strong sense of place, and help them get to know the climate, plant life, and animals in the bayou region.

Laura Jacques finds endless enjoyment and peace of mind by escaping into a little wilderness. "I wish everyone could appreciate the value of wildlife and our fragile natural resources," she observes, "for their beauty and intrinsic worth as well as for their importance in the life chain and ultimately our own survival." She hopes that in some small way the work she does helps convey that message.

Teachers will appreciate this appealing picturebook about a girl who learns the importance of allowing wild animals to remain in the wild. Students in grades K-2 will enjoy having Sweet Magnolia read aloud to them; more advanced students will enjoy reading this colorful picturebook for themselves, perhaps going on to learn more about Cajun and Creole culture and the unique animals of the Louisiana bayou.