Elem. – Out On a Limb

Morris, Jordan. Out On a Limb. Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2022. Unpaged. 978-1-419-75365-7. $18.99. Grades K-2.

Lulu has a broken leg and is enjoying the gifts and attention she has received. She is learning how to do some things in a new way, like taking a bath, walking with crutches and putting on clothes over her bright yellow cast. At school, friends want to hear all the details and happily sign her cast. After a while, wearing a cast does not seem so exciting, but soon it is time for Lulu and her toy bear to have theirs removed. Instead of feeling happy, the girl worries that she will hurt her leg again and stays inside to keep it safe. Still tentative, she allows her grandfather to take her outside, but only in a wagon. A parallel story about a missing letter that begins on the front endpapers meshes with the main story and leads to a satisfying solution to Lulu’s predicament. The pictures by Charlie Mylie are rendered in graphite on hot press paper, and the black and yellow color scheme focuses attention on the main character. The artist cleverly illustrates Lulu’s need to protect her leg when he draws her wearing a yellow rain boot where the cast once was.

THOUGHTS: Although the parallel story is a bit far fetched, this book’s message about having the courage to face your fears rings true. Suitable for elementary collections.

Picture Book          Denise Medwick, Retired, PSLA Member

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