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Cress Watercress
A lavishly illustrated woodland tale with a classic sensibility and modern flair—from the fertile imagination behind Wicked.
Gregory Maguire turns his trademark wit and wisdom to an animal adventure about growing up, moving on, and finding community. When Papa doesn't return from a nocturnal honey-gathering expedition, Cress holds out hope, but her mother assumes the worst. It’s a dangerous world for rabbits, after all. Mama moves what’s left of the Watercress family to the basement unit of the Broken Arms, a run-down apartment oak with a suspect owl landlord, a nosy mouse super, a rowdy family of squirrels, and a pair of songbirds who broadcast everyone’s business. Can a dead tree full of annoying neighbors, and no Papa, ever be home? In the timeless spirit of E. B. White and The Wind and the Willows—yet thoroughly of its time—this read-aloud and read-alone gem for animal lovers of all ages features an unforgettable cast that leaps off the page in glowing illustrations by David Litchfield. This tender meditation on coming-of-age invites us to flourish wherever we find ourselves.
Gregory Maguire turns his trademark wit and wisdom to an animal adventure about growing up, moving on, and finding community. When Papa doesn't return from a nocturnal honey-gathering expedition, Cress holds out hope, but her mother assumes the worst. It’s a dangerous world for rabbits, after all. Mama moves what’s left of the Watercress family to the basement unit of the Broken Arms, a run-down apartment oak with a suspect owl landlord, a nosy mouse super, a rowdy family of squirrels, and a pair of songbirds who broadcast everyone’s business. Can a dead tree full of annoying neighbors, and no Papa, ever be home? In the timeless spirit of E. B. White and The Wind and the Willows—yet thoroughly of its time—this read-aloud and read-alone gem for animal lovers of all ages features an unforgettable cast that leaps off the page in glowing illustrations by David Litchfield. This tender meditation on coming-of-age invites us to flourish wherever we find ourselves.
76 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2022
68 people are currently reading
1438 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Maguire
114books8,805followersGregory Maguire is an American author, whose novels are revisionist retellings of children's stories (such as L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz into Wicked). He received his Ph.D. in English and American Literature from Tufts University, and his B.A. from the State University of New York at Albany. He was a professor and co-director at the Simmons College Center for the Study of Children's Literature from 1979-1985. In 1987 he co-founded Children's Literature New England (a non-profit educational charity).
Maguire has served as artist-in-residence at the Blue Mountain Center, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Hambidge Center. He lives in Concord, Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews
July 31, 2022
It’s like the author has never met a child. Don’t waste your money. Yes the illustrations are gorgeous, but I was duped so you don’t have to be.
I read this as a read-aloud to my 5 & 8 year old. Plot wise nothing happens, very boring.
As far as content: Bullying, Name calling, Kidnapping, cigar smoking, stealing. No consequence for any of it. It all goes unacknowledged.
There was a cigar smoking squirrel which was stupid and unnecessary for a children’s story. The squirrel siblings fight and name call, again what are we trying to teach children here? There’s a skunk that is holding a chinchilla hostage with literal handcuffs, then kidnaps a bunny and a squirrel with no consequences and actually gets a volunteer “servant� at the end. ??? WHAT?
Makes no sense. There’s literally a nasty bunny named “Nasty� being mean to the main character the whole time. I have no words for how stupid the entire book is, I wish I had previewed it before reading aloud. No life lessons, no heartwarming ending. No plot twists, no adventure no magic. Don’t waste your time here.
I read this as a read-aloud to my 5 & 8 year old. Plot wise nothing happens, very boring.
As far as content: Bullying, Name calling, Kidnapping, cigar smoking, stealing. No consequence for any of it. It all goes unacknowledged.
There was a cigar smoking squirrel which was stupid and unnecessary for a children’s story. The squirrel siblings fight and name call, again what are we trying to teach children here? There’s a skunk that is holding a chinchilla hostage with literal handcuffs, then kidnaps a bunny and a squirrel with no consequences and actually gets a volunteer “servant� at the end. ??? WHAT?
Makes no sense. There’s literally a nasty bunny named “Nasty� being mean to the main character the whole time. I have no words for how stupid the entire book is, I wish I had previewed it before reading aloud. No life lessons, no heartwarming ending. No plot twists, no adventure no magic. Don’t waste your time here.
July 11, 2022
Surprisingly heartwarming and endearing!
Initial thoughts: How can an adventure story with talking animals be so dull?
I'm so glad I stuck with this beautiful book though, as it really grew on me and paid off in the end. I loved the vibrant cast of well-developed characters and getting to know their backstories. This might be a children's book, but it has some fantastic messages that will be relevant to everyone.
The illustrations are nothing short of breathtaking so I highly recommend reading the physical book. Seriously gorgeous art style and stunning colours.
If you've ever felt alone, lonely or stuck, this charming novel will provide much comfort and solace ❤️
Favourite quotes:
� "Maybe that is what growing up was all about � not knowing yourself, over and over again. How tiresome. What if you grew up to be someone you actually didn't like?"
� "Sorrow comes and goes. It waxes and wanes � those are words for how the moon grows and gets full and then diminishes, melts away. Over and over. It always comes back. It's part of life. You get used to it. You learn you can live through the moonless nights."
Initial thoughts: How can an adventure story with talking animals be so dull?
I'm so glad I stuck with this beautiful book though, as it really grew on me and paid off in the end. I loved the vibrant cast of well-developed characters and getting to know their backstories. This might be a children's book, but it has some fantastic messages that will be relevant to everyone.
The illustrations are nothing short of breathtaking so I highly recommend reading the physical book. Seriously gorgeous art style and stunning colours.
If you've ever felt alone, lonely or stuck, this charming novel will provide much comfort and solace ❤️
Favourite quotes:
� "Maybe that is what growing up was all about � not knowing yourself, over and over again. How tiresome. What if you grew up to be someone you actually didn't like?"
� "Sorrow comes and goes. It waxes and wanes � those are words for how the moon grows and gets full and then diminishes, melts away. Over and over. It always comes back. It's part of life. You get used to it. You learn you can live through the moonless nights."
September 23, 2022
I think I needed this story right now. I think it would be great to read to young kids, not too young but say 7 - 10?? I don't have any, but I tried reading it to my puppies, but they got a bit restless and just demanded a walkie. Anyway, is the 2nd book I've read by American author , the other being his take on Wicked (also excellent). Cress is his most recent effort.
I saw it when I was visiting a bookstore in Qualicum and got attracted by the bright cover and lovely drawing on it. When I read the synopsis and scrolled through a few pages and enjoyed the drawings within, I thought I should give it a try. Because I was waiting for my wife to finish shopping, I started it then. Cress Watercress is a little rabbit, who, along with her mother and younger brother Kip, are forced to find new lodgings. Father rabbit has disappeared. He went out to get honey for Mother Rabbit to make honey & ginger root tea for Kip's allergies, but he never returned. Mother needs a new location, so they move to a one-room flat in the bottom of the Broken Arms, an old tree run by an owl who lives in the top branches. The tree is also residence for songbirds, a family of squirrels and the superintendent, Manny the Mouse and his wife Sophie.
Cress isn't happy about this situation, now away from her rabbit friends, the smallness of their apartment and the noisiness of the new neighbors. Oh, the rent is ten moths a day for Mr. Owl. The story is a series of little adventures where Cress discovers more about herself, discovers new friends, like Tunk the Honeybear (who competes for honey), Lady Cabbage (the skunk who lives at Two Chimneys and wants Cress as a maid) and Fricasee Sunday (a wandering chicken). There are others too and they all enrich this lovely story.
There are no bright new lessons to be taught here, just a lovely, growing up story, fun adventures and wonderful drawings. Cress and friends draw you in. For reading to children, the chapters are short enough to keep their attention and make them want to listen to or read one more by themselves. The ending leaves you feeling comfortable, a little sad and happy and hoping you might see more stories about Cress and the Broken Arms. (4.5 stars)
I saw it when I was visiting a bookstore in Qualicum and got attracted by the bright cover and lovely drawing on it. When I read the synopsis and scrolled through a few pages and enjoyed the drawings within, I thought I should give it a try. Because I was waiting for my wife to finish shopping, I started it then. Cress Watercress is a little rabbit, who, along with her mother and younger brother Kip, are forced to find new lodgings. Father rabbit has disappeared. He went out to get honey for Mother Rabbit to make honey & ginger root tea for Kip's allergies, but he never returned. Mother needs a new location, so they move to a one-room flat in the bottom of the Broken Arms, an old tree run by an owl who lives in the top branches. The tree is also residence for songbirds, a family of squirrels and the superintendent, Manny the Mouse and his wife Sophie.
Cress isn't happy about this situation, now away from her rabbit friends, the smallness of their apartment and the noisiness of the new neighbors. Oh, the rent is ten moths a day for Mr. Owl. The story is a series of little adventures where Cress discovers more about herself, discovers new friends, like Tunk the Honeybear (who competes for honey), Lady Cabbage (the skunk who lives at Two Chimneys and wants Cress as a maid) and Fricasee Sunday (a wandering chicken). There are others too and they all enrich this lovely story.
There are no bright new lessons to be taught here, just a lovely, growing up story, fun adventures and wonderful drawings. Cress and friends draw you in. For reading to children, the chapters are short enough to keep their attention and make them want to listen to or read one more by themselves. The ending leaves you feeling comfortable, a little sad and happy and hoping you might see more stories about Cress and the Broken Arms. (4.5 stars)
May 8, 2022
The illustrations were stunning. The story fell flat and the characters were just sassy and underdeveloped.
January 26, 2024
"De brokjes filosofische wijsheden die het verhaal herbergen zullen het beste tot uiting komen tijdens het voorlezen. Toch is er genoeg aan dit boek wat ook een individuele lezer vanaf 9 jaar zal kunnen waarderen. De droge humor, de dieren die wijs als mensen nog steeds dicht bij hun ‘dierenzelf� blijven, de avonturen die Tess beleefd en de nieuwe vrienden die ze ontmoet � alles is onderdeel van het leven en perfect op z’n plek in dit prachtige verhaal waar zowel dier als mens met volle teugen van zal genieten."
Lees mijn volledige recensie op
Lees mijn volledige recensie op
May 18, 2022
After a tragedy, a family of rabbits starts over under the watchful eye of a grumpy owl landlord, finding a new and unexpected community.
I'm not a big fan of animal stories, but I really enjoyed this one. It had charm without feeling precious and moving moments without being an outright tearjerker. I really liked the dynamic with Cress' rabbit family in particular. They have a solid but not idealized relationship. Cress is sometimes a little bit of a brat, her mother is worn out and makes mistakes and sometimes they fight. It felt more like a real family than the glossy picture book version you get with some animal stories.Though the book as a whole feels like a throwback to classics like The House at Pooh Corner, and Wind in the Willows, the characters feel like their own...not simple retreads.
For this reason it manages to bridge different groups of readers. Lovers of Kate DiCamillo, Avi's Poppy books, and the Skunk and Badger books with that classic feel will feel at home.
Readers who (like me) may avoid cutesy animal stories, will be won over by the adventure/survival aspect and the compelling but decidedly non-cutesy characters.
I'm not a big fan of animal stories, but I really enjoyed this one. It had charm without feeling precious and moving moments without being an outright tearjerker. I really liked the dynamic with Cress' rabbit family in particular. They have a solid but not idealized relationship. Cress is sometimes a little bit of a brat, her mother is worn out and makes mistakes and sometimes they fight. It felt more like a real family than the glossy picture book version you get with some animal stories.Though the book as a whole feels like a throwback to classics like The House at Pooh Corner, and Wind in the Willows, the characters feel like their own...not simple retreads.
For this reason it manages to bridge different groups of readers. Lovers of Kate DiCamillo, Avi's Poppy books, and the Skunk and Badger books with that classic feel will feel at home.
Readers who (like me) may avoid cutesy animal stories, will be won over by the adventure/survival aspect and the compelling but decidedly non-cutesy characters.
April 12, 2022
After her father dies, Cress and her family move to a basement apartment in an oak tree. Her mother struggles to pay the rent, and Cress is annoyed by the snooping neighbors. The landlord is a grumpy owl, and a large family of squirrels make a great deal of noise. But they all join together when danger is near.
This story is interesting and there is some action. Cress gets lost and has some adventures. She meets some crazy characters in the woods. As we get to know the neighbors more, Cress realizes that they all have more depth than she first imagined. She begins to feel more affection for her crazy neighbors and she even makes some friends.
However, the general mood of the book is not happy or adventurous or fun. Cress is sad and grieving for her father most of the time. This book is full of despair. At one point, Cress just gives up and shuts down. Cress does find some healing in the end, and she finds a little hope, but the overall mood of the book left me feeling depressed.
It got on my nerves that Cress fights with her mother so much. The plot is a little disjointed, and the world-building is not really explained. Some of the animals wear clothes, and some don't. Cress's mother has a business weaving cloth, but it's never really explained where she sells her products or how that economy works, or even whether or not the animals have money or just exchange goods.
Overall, I just found it weird and depressing. I was looking for something more lighthearted.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
This story is interesting and there is some action. Cress gets lost and has some adventures. She meets some crazy characters in the woods. As we get to know the neighbors more, Cress realizes that they all have more depth than she first imagined. She begins to feel more affection for her crazy neighbors and she even makes some friends.
However, the general mood of the book is not happy or adventurous or fun. Cress is sad and grieving for her father most of the time. This book is full of despair. At one point, Cress just gives up and shuts down. Cress does find some healing in the end, and she finds a little hope, but the overall mood of the book left me feeling depressed.
It got on my nerves that Cress fights with her mother so much. The plot is a little disjointed, and the world-building is not really explained. Some of the animals wear clothes, and some don't. Cress's mother has a business weaving cloth, but it's never really explained where she sells her products or how that economy works, or even whether or not the animals have money or just exchange goods.
Overall, I just found it weird and depressing. I was looking for something more lighthearted.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
March 16, 2023
To be completely honest, if I read this book without the incredible illustrations by David Litchfield this story may be scraping a 2/5 because while it's short and sort of interesting, I did find myself slogging my way through it.
Some of the modern, human terminology is jarring when used by a bear or a squirrel, and trying to fathom how a rabbit was wearing a leather jacket took more brain cells than I cared to spare. I also did go in thinking this would be a story about Cress venturing out and finding her father, which it wasn't.
Not a lot happens in the plot once the rabbit family moves to the big tree. Cress just fights with her mother, hangs around with squirrels and keeps getting invited to be a maid for a skunk and that's basically the entire plot of the book.
Some of the modern, human terminology is jarring when used by a bear or a squirrel, and trying to fathom how a rabbit was wearing a leather jacket took more brain cells than I cared to spare. I also did go in thinking this would be a story about Cress venturing out and finding her father, which it wasn't.
Not a lot happens in the plot once the rabbit family moves to the big tree. Cress just fights with her mother, hangs around with squirrels and keeps getting invited to be a maid for a skunk and that's basically the entire plot of the book.
June 17, 2024
Op zich een leuk verhaal, maar had meer avontuur verwacht.
June 5, 2022
Maguire’s “Cress� follows a young rabbit and her family when they move to a shabby new home after her father tragically vanished, and later find adventure with new faces as she comes to terms with losing a parent. Her story is a darling adventurous fable, which to me, feels like a deep and more story driven modern-day “Peter Rabbit�. Cozy and very fuzzy. A- (91%/Excellent)
December 24, 2023
Lovely kids story
May 30, 2024
It was good
January 30, 2023
I will say there’s not much better than a skunk named Lady Agatha Cabbage.
January 21, 2022
After Papa goes out to get honey one night and doesn't return, the Watercress rabbit family has to move. Mama takes her young daughter Cress and baby boy Kip to live at the run-down Broken Arms tree apartments, and a hodgepodge of neighbors (and dangers!) abide in the surrounding woods in Cress Watercress by author Gregory Maguire, illustrated by David Litchfield.
Through the first little chunk of chapters, I wasn't completely sure about this middle grade fantasy tale. I was intrigued but didn't have the best sense of the plot going in a particular direction, and I wasn't super-keen on Cress, who may just be at a difficult preteen age on top of the fact that she's lost her father and her familiar way of life.
But Cress turns out to have some really admirable moments as the plot comes together, and this story of family, friendship, adventure, and growing up has quite a delightful style. Adorable (but not in a corny, saccharine way), fresh and imaginative, clever and humorous with pretty stellar wit.
And there's such authenticity to the parts that pulled on my heart. Again, not in a corny or sappy way but a real way. This story's got compelling substance, brought further to life by the wonderful illustrations.
Bravo!
_________
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
Through the first little chunk of chapters, I wasn't completely sure about this middle grade fantasy tale. I was intrigued but didn't have the best sense of the plot going in a particular direction, and I wasn't super-keen on Cress, who may just be at a difficult preteen age on top of the fact that she's lost her father and her familiar way of life.
But Cress turns out to have some really admirable moments as the plot comes together, and this story of family, friendship, adventure, and growing up has quite a delightful style. Adorable (but not in a corny, saccharine way), fresh and imaginative, clever and humorous with pretty stellar wit.
And there's such authenticity to the parts that pulled on my heart. Again, not in a corny or sappy way but a real way. This story's got compelling substance, brought further to life by the wonderful illustrations.
Bravo!
_________
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
December 23, 2022
Boy this was such a disappointment! The "package" of the book is 5+. It is one of those heavy solid feeling books (in a good way) with absolutely amazing colored illustrations. The story has a strong start with a rabbit family (mom, younger daughter and a baby boy rabbit) that have resigned to the fact the husband/dad has met his demise and is not returning. Therefore, they need to move. Their new home introduces a wild cast of characters- some of which are very lovely and interesting and others that are terrible and flat. I am not sure why the skunk character or Nasty is even in the story. The main reason I am rating this lower than a 3 is because of the dialogue and tone of the story. I think picking up this book, I expected more of a Wind and the Willows vibe- classic type story. It is packaged just like that- I even compared it to my hard copy of Wind and the Willows. With the characters sounding snarky and using words and phrases like,"Sucks" and "Shut up" it just did not fit. Parts of the story had elements of being great and then it would shift back to the snark. If you want a modernized version of story meant for older readers, don't package it like a wholesome classic. And yes- I realize there is not anything said that is horrible like curse words- but the tone just does not fit, as well as, some of the characters.
May 4, 2022
One of my very favorite children's books of 2022. Perfect for book and animal lovers of all ages. This title would also make a terrific read aloud for the classroom or home. Cress, Watercress is filled with the most beautiful, full-color illustrations. It reminds me of the children's classics of long ago created by Garth Williams and Robert McCloskey when the interior illustrations were paramount. You couldn't wait to turn the page and see what the illustrator had drawn. Cress, Watercress is a true five-star experience.
April 15, 2022
I have been waiting for time to sit down with my copy of Gregory Maguire’s Cress Watercress and now that I have I’m awestruck by David Litchfield’s magnificent illustrations which accompany this lovely story. He works wonders with art.
“Nothing personal.�
“Everything that happens to persons is personal.�
“I remember Papa when you tell me stories about him.�
“When I tell you stories,� said Cress, “I remember him, too.�
“Nothing personal.�
“Everything that happens to persons is personal.�
“I remember Papa when you tell me stories about him.�
“When I tell you stories,� said Cress, “I remember him, too.�
September 8, 2022
Aside from some character incongruities this would be a great book to read to young kids.
September 3, 2024
I wondered what a children’s book by Gregory Maguire would be like. Could it be as magical as his spins on fairy tales without the complexity of the adult themes? Yes, I believe so.
The tale of a little bunny trying to come to terms with the loss of her father and the resulting stress this puts on her overwhelmed mother, this is also a coming-of-age story. Forced to move from the familiar den she grew up in, Cress and her family must now live in an apartment tree with a crotchety owl landlord, a nosy superintendent mouse, a family of hyperactive squirrels, and a pair of songbirds who trill everyone’s business to the world. At the same time she learns to help her mother care for a sickly baby brother and scavenge for moths to pay the rent.
A cast of odd but likable creatures help Cress along the way, and she finds friends who teach her valuable lessons about life and love. Her adventures are entertaining and the squirrels were particular favorites of mine. There are some characters of questionable nature that are probably not the best examples for young children (like the social climbing skunk who feels entitled to commandeer servants via trickery), but overall I believe more savvy older readers will enjoy this book.
The tale of a little bunny trying to come to terms with the loss of her father and the resulting stress this puts on her overwhelmed mother, this is also a coming-of-age story. Forced to move from the familiar den she grew up in, Cress and her family must now live in an apartment tree with a crotchety owl landlord, a nosy superintendent mouse, a family of hyperactive squirrels, and a pair of songbirds who trill everyone’s business to the world. At the same time she learns to help her mother care for a sickly baby brother and scavenge for moths to pay the rent.
A cast of odd but likable creatures help Cress along the way, and she finds friends who teach her valuable lessons about life and love. Her adventures are entertaining and the squirrels were particular favorites of mine. There are some characters of questionable nature that are probably not the best examples for young children (like the social climbing skunk who feels entitled to commandeer servants via trickery), but overall I believe more savvy older readers will enjoy this book.
December 13, 2022
Animal stories are not usually my favorite but this one, I enjoyed.
By “animal stories,� I refer to tales in which the main character(s) are talking animals of some kind, like Despereaux in Kate DiCamillo’s perfect Newbery-winning book The Tale of Despereaux.
My main concern (problem?) is that I enter the story with a bunch of questions: Can different animals and species understand one another? Does animal language overlap with human language (do the animals reference things from the human world)? On and on.
Basically, what are the parameters for these talking animals.
I found the world building askew in Cress Watercress at first. One of the animals randomly drops a Spanish “mañana.� There’s mention of a “county fair.� Decidedly a human concept in this animal world where home is a dead tree called Broken Arms in the area generally known as Hunter’s Wood.
But the humor! After reading Skunk and Badger and now Cress Watercress, I believe a well-written chicken can elevate any animal story to greatness.
And the story, ultimately about grief and the cruelness of life while infusing some hope, meanders but also has great depth. There are some lovely lyrical lines.
The illustrations are gorgeous.
I wonder what kids will make of it. I’d love to chat with some who have read this. these are the times I really miss working in a public library.
By “animal stories,� I refer to tales in which the main character(s) are talking animals of some kind, like Despereaux in Kate DiCamillo’s perfect Newbery-winning book The Tale of Despereaux.
My main concern (problem?) is that I enter the story with a bunch of questions: Can different animals and species understand one another? Does animal language overlap with human language (do the animals reference things from the human world)? On and on.
Basically, what are the parameters for these talking animals.
I found the world building askew in Cress Watercress at first. One of the animals randomly drops a Spanish “mañana.� There’s mention of a “county fair.� Decidedly a human concept in this animal world where home is a dead tree called Broken Arms in the area generally known as Hunter’s Wood.
But the humor! After reading Skunk and Badger and now Cress Watercress, I believe a well-written chicken can elevate any animal story to greatness.
And the story, ultimately about grief and the cruelness of life while infusing some hope, meanders but also has great depth. There are some lovely lyrical lines.
The illustrations are gorgeous.
I wonder what kids will make of it. I’d love to chat with some who have read this. these are the times I really miss working in a public library.
October 29, 2023
A very atmospheric book, all the feels, and fantastic artwork. Young bunny Cress has some hard things happen to her: one night her father didn't return home, they have to move to a different, 'lowerclass' neighborhood, and she gets into trouble because the forest is full of dangers. Being locked up in a gloomy ruin as a servant to a pretentious lady-skunk is enough to give up, right?
A masterfully written book about growing up, moving on from disappointment, accepting a new community, friendships both easy and tricky, and a journey of Cress discovering herself.
A masterfully written book about growing up, moving on from disappointment, accepting a new community, friendships both easy and tricky, and a journey of Cress discovering herself.
March 29, 2022
Friendship, family, and adventure echo on every page of this novel and sink the reader into a wonderful world.
Cress' father never came back from gathering honey, forcing her mother to move with her and her baby brother. They take up residence in an old oak, which is filled with all sorts of odd neighbors and a grumpy landlord. Cress hopes to see her father again some day, but until then, she needs to figure out how to get along with everyone and find her place in their new life.
This is a gentle read as I'd hoped it'd be. It starts out a little slower, allowing the reader to sink in with Cress and her small family as they face the absence of their father and make their way to the new home. Although a gentle beginning, it's not boring and does a marvelous job at developing the familiar back-and-forth dynamics always found in family relationships. Cress loves her mother and baby brother, but their little quibbles and trying to cope with the difficult situation really bring this home. First then do the neighbors come in, and the adventures of Cress can really begin.
Cress is simply sweet. She's unsure and careful, and yet, packs curiosity and a sense of adventure. It makes her very likeable and easy to relate to. The characters around her are so colorful that it's hard not to like every single one. Each has quirks, good and bad, and each brings their own personality to the page. Adventure with this group is contagious and packs tons of heart. There are tension packed moments, where the reader will hold their breath and others simply touch the heart. Not only animal-tale lovers will get lost in this read.
And before I forget, the illustrations are lovely. Not only do they add great breaks to the text (which is nicely spaced, in a slightly larger font, and an easy read), but they do a wonderful job at setting each scene. I am looking forward to see what Cress will experience next.
I received an ARC and enjoyed this tale quite a bit.
Cress' father never came back from gathering honey, forcing her mother to move with her and her baby brother. They take up residence in an old oak, which is filled with all sorts of odd neighbors and a grumpy landlord. Cress hopes to see her father again some day, but until then, she needs to figure out how to get along with everyone and find her place in their new life.
This is a gentle read as I'd hoped it'd be. It starts out a little slower, allowing the reader to sink in with Cress and her small family as they face the absence of their father and make their way to the new home. Although a gentle beginning, it's not boring and does a marvelous job at developing the familiar back-and-forth dynamics always found in family relationships. Cress loves her mother and baby brother, but their little quibbles and trying to cope with the difficult situation really bring this home. First then do the neighbors come in, and the adventures of Cress can really begin.
Cress is simply sweet. She's unsure and careful, and yet, packs curiosity and a sense of adventure. It makes her very likeable and easy to relate to. The characters around her are so colorful that it's hard not to like every single one. Each has quirks, good and bad, and each brings their own personality to the page. Adventure with this group is contagious and packs tons of heart. There are tension packed moments, where the reader will hold their breath and others simply touch the heart. Not only animal-tale lovers will get lost in this read.
And before I forget, the illustrations are lovely. Not only do they add great breaks to the text (which is nicely spaced, in a slightly larger font, and an easy read), but they do a wonderful job at setting each scene. I am looking forward to see what Cress will experience next.
I received an ARC and enjoyed this tale quite a bit.
April 26, 2022
4.5 rounded up
"Maybe that is what growing up was all about - not knowing yourself, over and over again. How tiresome." p.141
"But, my darling Cress, the moon will grow back. It comes and goes. Just like sorrow. I mean it. Sorrow comes and goes. It waxes and wanes..." p.158
This is a lovely book - the illustrations are beautiful and the story of Cress has elements of friendship, mourning, adventure, moving, danger, and growing up - told in very manageable chapter sizes for beginner readers (or as a read aloud in school or for bedtime).
"Maybe that is what growing up was all about - not knowing yourself, over and over again. How tiresome." p.141
"But, my darling Cress, the moon will grow back. It comes and goes. Just like sorrow. I mean it. Sorrow comes and goes. It waxes and wanes..." p.158
This is a lovely book - the illustrations are beautiful and the story of Cress has elements of friendship, mourning, adventure, moving, danger, and growing up - told in very manageable chapter sizes for beginner readers (or as a read aloud in school or for bedtime).
July 19, 2023
Overall I think the story was charming, not too serious, an easy and whimsical read that young children can enjoy.
At times I did find parts of the dialogue between characters to sound awkward and choppy, there were some moments in which characters used more recent terms and sayings that didn’t seem to match the rest of the language in the book.
The illustrations were absolutely lovely and my favorite aspect about the book. All in all a pretty good book.
At times I did find parts of the dialogue between characters to sound awkward and choppy, there were some moments in which characters used more recent terms and sayings that didn’t seem to match the rest of the language in the book.
The illustrations were absolutely lovely and my favorite aspect about the book. All in all a pretty good book.
March 24, 2022
What a fabulous story. This book talked to friendship, kindness, family and growing up and finding one's true self. It was emotional in parts but not over the top. I am 67 yrs old and even though this is considered a young reader book I found it to be a great read. The illustrations by David Litchfield were amazing. I recommend to book to any age group.
September 15, 2022
When her father doesn't come back from a hunting expedition, Cress and her rabbit family are forced leave their cozy warren and move into the basement apartment of an old oak tree. Surrounded by noisy and demanding neighbors, the Watercress family isn't sure this place will ever feel like home. A fun anthropomorphic adventure.
July 15, 2022
If you love animal fantasies like I do, Cress Watercress should be on your list of books to read. The story follows Cress, a rabbit, as she and her mom and little brother move into the Broken Arms apartment after the disappearance (and implied death) of her father. At its core, the story is about lonely characters finding ways to cope with their loneliness (and not always in healthy ways). The novel is great at melding the human and animal sides of its anthropomorphism. One highlight is Agatha Cabbage, a skunk, who parades around in a chinchilla stole, who is alive. I felt the beginning of the novel suffered from a lack of agency in its protagonist but considering the loss of her father and Cress’s age, it makes sense she would be following her mother around and reacting to what’s going on around her rather than making active choices. Still, I enjoyed the lovely cast of critters, especially Agatha. David Litchfield’s illustrations are a delight, especially in his use of color. This book is great for those who love animal fantasies, are moving, or experienced the loss of a loved one.
June 6, 2022
I am a big fan of Gregory Maguie, but this story did not do it for me.
June 15, 2022
The story was good but the illustrations stood out so much for me. They were so beautiful.
July 23, 2022
Sweet middle grade story. Gorgeous illustrations. Would be a great 3rd-4th grade read aloud.
On friends..."The rules are already made up. Pretty basic. Friends take care of each other. They don't run away. They don't make fun of each other. That's about it. It's not a tricky concept."
On friends..."The rules are already made up. Pretty basic. Friends take care of each other. They don't run away. They don't make fun of each other. That's about it. It's not a tricky concept."
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