Who Stole The Books?

© 2013 Thomas Docherty. Published in The Snatchabook by Sourcebooks. All Rights Reserved.

"The Snatchabook," by Helen Docherty, illustrated by Thomas Docherty; Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, $16.99, ages 3-6.

            "In every house,

                        in every bed,            

                                    a bedtime book

                                                 was being read."

The story starts innocently enough; all the critters in the arboreal hamlet of Burrow Down complete their days with a delightful bedtime tale. All is well until an unwelcome stranger flies into town one night and steals the books quicker than a bolt of lightening. Who is the book thief? (Readers can rule out Stephen Blumberg.) After all the books disappear, a brave bunny named Eliza Brown is determined to catch the crook.  Once collared, the aptly-named Snatchabook confesses his crimes, and Eliza decides to help the creature find redemption in a most appropriate and caring manner.  Helen Docherty's jaunty rhymes keep pace with husband Thomas Docherty's loveable renditions of badgers, bunnies and porcupines. Children will love acting this book out - sometimes as the sneaky Snatchabook, other times as the wise Eliza Brown. While fun to read, The Snatchabook also teaches an important lesson about the power of reading to stir young minds.

© 2013 Thomas Docherty. Published in The Snatchabook by Sourcebooks. All Rights Reserved.