Savanna's Treasure by C. Behrens

[DiDonovan]

I'm about the only adult in my circle who regularly reads children's books and YA: I find them simpler, lacking the angst of adult reads, and quick (I can read a children's book or easy reader in a day).

I picked up Savanna's Treasure and wondered what contemporary children's audience would appreciate the black and white line drawings in a world of color - but Savanna's Treasure is enhanced by these lovely black and white line drawings by Kim Johnson and offers a story in some ways classic for children's books, covering a friendship between animals and people who discover that their unlikely association can change their world.

While the story line may be classic for a young audience, it's, in fact, a different approach because such tales are usually limited to the very simple picture book age group - and Savanna's Treasure is directed to those beyond the easy reader stage.

As with any read (but especially true in a children's book), it's the protagonists that capture attention - and C. Behrens does a fine job of creating personable creatures that are engaging and fun.

The 'glue' of any story is how its characters are depicted, how they react to one another, and how they bond: Savanna's Treasure is all about these connections and how they play out in the world, and this lends to a fine read that takes an adventure story format and weaves it into something far greater than simple entertainment. Kids with good reading skills (likely, in grades 2-4) will relish this enchanting saga.

I would also recommend it for parental read-aloud: it's involving, different, and inviting.