Fur and Feathers by Janet Halfmann. Art by Laurie Allen Klein

I loved Fur and Feathers by Janet Halfmann with artwork by Laurie Allen Klein.  It’s an imaginative story full of silly fun and solid scientific information for young inquiring minds.  Listening to the audio reading of the book was most enjoyable.  I picture children sitting in a circle captivated and transfixed by this story.  The text is also available in Spanish.  As a parent, teacher, and author, I really appreciate a book as enchanting and stimulating as this one is.  There are additional teaching resources and activities online.

This is a charming story about a little girl named Sophia who dreams of a wild wind that whips the coats off of animals and various other creatures.  The poor animals then need her help to make new coats and coverings for them.  It is a delight to see Sophia try and then find just the right “clothing” for all her animal friends.  She sews, snips, tucks, paints, and “slimes” through the night until all her critter friends are suitably clothed again.  The story ending with a visit to the zoo is especially dear.

Laurie Allen Klein’s illustrations are amazing, rich with detail and whimsy.  There is so much going on in each panel that parents and teachers will have plenty of “what do you see in this picture?” questions to ask their children and students.  This is a story that will be enjoyed, requested, and beloved by many, many children.  Although I wish it were available to me when my daughter was young, I’m thrilled it is available now.