Waltz of the Scarecrows - Hardcover

Constance McGeorge dedicates her time to writing children's books and painting. She lives with her husband, James, three dogs and a horse in Columbus, Ohio.

Mary Whyte is an accomplished artist best known for her watercolor paintings. She lives in South Carolina with her husband and their golden retriever.

Kindergarten-Grade 3-On a visit to her grandparents' farm, Sarah is awakened by Grandpa, who announces that it's time to make scarecrows. Instead of rags, the scarecrows in this farm community wear old party clothes. When the child asks why, her grandfather begins a tale of long ago when hungry birds descended on the town and were chased away by a group of people attending a harvest ball. Ever since, the scarecrows have been dressed in fancy attire. Legend also has it that folks have seen the scarecrows waltz in their fancy satins and top hats during the full moon. The story ends with a wordless double spread depicting a luminous fall evening when scarecrows are hopping fences to join others dancing in a field. From the endpaper of golden straw to the final spread, the text and illustrations are sure to win the hearts of children. Whyte's watercolors are detailed and have dramatic perspectives that lend excitement to the story. An added bonus: readers are encouraged to find a cleverly hidden scarecrow on each page. Pair this story with Helen Ketteman's Year of No More (Orchard, 1993) for a seasonal storyhour.
Olga R. Barnes, Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, NC
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