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In 2020, any plans for summertime fun have seemed to come to a complete halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Young Emma dreads that thought, even as she loves spending time with her grandmother, who encourages her to enjoy the wonders of a pond nearby. While there, Emma spots a blue heron and becomes so fascinated by him that she later gushes about the encounter to her grandmother. She decides to name the blue heron “Big Blue.” The next day, she brings out a fishing pole and begins catching fish that she shares with Big Blue. This begins a relationship between the two that is built up throughout the summer. Emma has a wonderful time with her new friend, and even after going home, she continues to think about him. Eventually, she discovers that Big Blue comes to the pond every year in the spring so the friends can continue to enjoy each other’s company.
Any book that addresses some of the struggles faced by kids during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic is a welcome addition to children’s literature. One of many ways in which this story shines is by sharing how Emma turned what could have been several months spent indoors to her advantage by spending them instead mostly outside, having fun in a safe location, and befriending a heron. In other words, rather than sink into a depression over what she couldn’t do, Emma connected with the world in an entirely different way. As a result, that connection left a lasting impact on her life forever afterward. Alongside the beautiful illustrations, this sweet story does a wonderful job of encouraging young readers to explore the wonders of the natural world while also finding ways to make the best of tough circumstances.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
Nominted for the 2024 Eric Hoffer Book Award