Magnolia's Magnificent Map

by Lauren Bradshaw, Wednesday Kirwan (Illustrator)

Overview

In this second book in the Walnut Animal Society series, following Henry’s Bright Idea—Magnolia the Bunny explores the grove with her friends Margaux the Kitty and Chester the Raccoon, looking for that elusive, special place that will complete her map.

Deep in the shade of a walnut grove stands a tall tree house. A delightful group of friends gathers here. They call themselves the Walnut Animal Society. Their mission is to create and to always remain curious.

The Walnut Animal Society is busy preparing for a very special event. The Society Soirée comes just once a month, when the night is clear and the stars are bright. Tonight it is Magnolia the Bunny’s turn to share. Everyone is excited. Everyone but Magnolia, that is. It has taken her months of exploring and sketching and picture-snapping to create her latest map—a map of the walnut grove. There’s just one problem. Her map isn’t finished. Magnolia’s map is missing a spot. Will she finish it in time?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781944903121
Publisher:	ABRAMS
Publication date:	05/01/2018
Series:	Walnut Animal Society
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	567,603
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Lauren Bradshaw is a designer of handmade dolls called Walnut Animal Society. Magnolia’s Magnificent Map is the second title in the series of books inspired by the dolls. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Wednesday Kirwan is a children’s book illustrator whose books include Henry’s Bright Idea and the forthcoming Owl Love You, to be published by Cameron Kids. She lives in Oakland, California.

Editorial Reviews

"A delightful and entertaining story by Lauren Bradshaw is beautifully illustrated by picture book artist Wednesday Kirwan. The result is a treasured and highly recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 4 to 8."

Midwest Book Review

"Junior cartographers will be inspired to plot their own backyards and neighborhoods as they locate Ruthie’s Butterfly Garden, Henry’s Firefly Patch, and all of the delightfully drawn details of Magnolia’s Magnificent Map, provided in full color."

Foreward Reviews

03/01/2018
PreS-Gr 2—In this second title about forest friends whose motto is "Always remain curious," the group prepares for the Society Soirée where Magnolia the Bunny will display her latest work: a map of the walnut grove. Unfortunately, Magnolia has one spot on the map that is blank and still unexplored. Margaux the Kitty offers to help Magnolia explore the top of the mountain, with a little help from friend Chester the Raccoon. After a hard climb, the three make it to the top and discover a gushing waterfall that is the missing piece of her map. Magnolia finishes her drawing and proudly unveils it to her friends at the gathering. A spread of the map closes out the story. Colorful matte folk-style illustrations pair with a straightforward text. VERDICT A solid addition for primary grade units on maps and mapmaking and where the first book in the series is popular. —Ramarie Beaver, Plano Public Library System, TX

School Library Journal

2018-01-22
The six members of the Walnut Animal Society are gathering for their monthly Society Soirée, but will Magnolia the Bunny be finished with her presentation in time?All the friends are pitching in to help with the setup, and all are excited…except for Magnolia. It's taken months for the rabbit cartographer to explore and gather photos for her latest map, but there's still a blank spot right in the middle. Margaux the Kitty offers to accompany Magnolia on her final foray, but the mountain they find in the map's blank spot is steep and rather daunting. How will they reach the top? Luckily, Chester the Raccoon's fishing hole is partway up the slope, and together the three friends push, pull, and boost one another to the top, where they find a magnificent waterfall and a perfect swimming hole. After enjoying the water, Magolia finishes just in time for the soirée, where she impresses all her friends with her map of their favorite places. Bradshaw's follow-up to Henry's Bright Idea (2016) extends her line of handmade stuffed toys. The anthropomorphized characters are drawn with long limbs and simple faces, their eyebrows and mouths carrying much of the emotional weight. It can be difficult, however, to tell species from the illustrations, especially Ruthie the Deer. Indeed, aside from coloration and the shape of the ears, all the heads are identical.Budding explorers may find inspiration for their own gatherings and maps. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews

Read More