On Our Book Shelf: Appleblossom the Possum

This is one endearing story about a unique theatrical family of marsupials who are given to quoting Shakespeare; for them "All the world's a stage."  Since possums are nocturnal, most of their adventures occur at night; and since they are nomadic, their Mama encourages them early on to go out on their own to seek independence.  First, she teaches them life-skills for possums, such as avoiding "dangerous creatures who walk on two legs and watch boxes with light and sounds all day." Also dangerous are "metal monsters" called cars and trucks that "can flatten an animal in an instant!" And the "hairies" who bark and growl are the scariest, furriest, and most highly "unpredictable." Of course, after all these admonitions, Amlet and Angie and Alberta and Alphonse and Antonio and Alejandro as well as the youngest, Appleblossom hook tails in shared trepidation (illustrations are adorable). But Mama reminds them that they are fast, intelligent, and clever and possess a very strong asset -- their "stink gas," a useful weapon when cornered. And so their adventures begin.

Their antics will delight children, particularly 4-9 year-olds, who will see that fear of new experiences can be overcome.  In fact, when Appleblossom accidentally falls down a chimney and actually encounters the two-legged "monsters," she will become fast friends with one - a lonely little girl who lives in the house.  There are many lessons to be learned here, especially from the very wise Mama possum who tells them "Never be afraid to make a fool of yourself by asking questions" and Antonio, when venturing out into the world for the first time, repeats her words "Love all, trust a few, do wrong to no one." The best advice, in my opinion, occurs as the brother and sister possums hesitate to go to the aid of Appleblossom --  one of the siblings reminds the others that "The most important thing in the world is family.  That's why we are going to help our sister." These are charming, well-rendered characters whose comments actually made me chuckle. For example, Poppa Possum tells them in a serious tone, "The secret to a good relationship is to listen to your wife, and agree with her whenever possible."

Portions of the dialogue are also quite amusing for adults who might choose to read it to younger children.  Antonio tells his dad that Mama is "progressive"; she encouraged each of them to choose their own name. And since possums live independently on their own, as do Poppa and Mama, they need to tell him what they have learned from Mama. "So she's progressive is she?" he replies to Antonio. " What's that make you, little critter? The brainy baby."  Antonio is quick to answer. "We don't believe in labels. Or bullying."  In this indirect manner, the author is conveying beneficial information to children while simultaneously entertaining them.

There are two additional features to this book which I loved.  First, since I am a lover of Shakespeare and believe kids should be exposed to him as early as possible, this book accomplishes that.  When Appleblossom senses a dog approaching, she thinks, "By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes" (from Macbeth, Act I) and at the story's end: "All's well that ends well" (Title of play by Shakespeare).  In addition to familiarity with lines from "The Bard" are the author's inclusion of great vocabulary words. I do not suggest that they be presented to the child as a list to be learned, but incorporated in discussion of the story between parent and child.  If the child is able to read it himself/herself, he/she would gain practice figuring out their meaning through context clues.  Keep an eye out for the following:

marsupial                    nocturnal                 consoling                      maestro

alliance                       slumbering               distracted                     inventory

camouflage                 savor                       unpredictable               bellow

no vacancy                 mutter                      barely perceptible        disdain

grooming                    anticipation               reassure                      cavorting

banished                     rejoices                    permanent                   crooner

progress                      enhance                  troupe                          research

precariously                stagnant                   lunge