Where There’s Wool . . . There’s A Way

Where There’s Wool . . . There’s A Way

Not a day goes by without my furry friend, Mulan, stopping multiple times to wait for another walker, runner, or biker to catch up to us on our daily treks throughout the neighborhood.  She pauses and sits several times along the sidewalks surrounding the elementary school where I work. It does not matter whether school is in session or not.  She is listening for the sound of children.
She has been this way since she was a puppy.  Assessing her surroundings and looking for people to greet or welcome into our «pack» is a huge part of her personality.  She is one of the most caring dogs to be a part of my life.  It is not that my three other Labradors were not people-loving, but Mulan will not budge until she is certain all is well.
It seems that Mulan is not alone in her desire to care for others.  In Lita Judge’s newest title,
Don’t Worry, Wuddles
(
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
, an imprint of
Simon & Schuster
, September 26, 2023), an exuberant duckling is determined to provide for the other creatures on the farm.  The yellow bundle of fluff takes one look at the wooly, wooly sheep, Wuddles, and offers the perfect proposal for an impending problem.
Wuddles, are you asleep?
Wuddles, eyelids barely open, is not asleep, but trying to nap. The duckling is concerned because snow is coming.  Would Wuddles share a bit of wool so the duckling can have a scarf?
The now scarf-wearing duckling notices Rooster is not protected from the approaching winter weather.  Oh!  Rooster needs a hat!  The appropriate amount of wool is taken from Wuddles as the title phrase is uttered.  Wuddles has so much wool, surely the amount needed for a scarf and hat will not be missed.
Eyes moving around the inside of the barn, the duckling comments about the lack of fur on Rabbit’s ears.  Earmuffs are the best garb Rabbit can use.  Duckling assures Wuddles everything is under control and each creature will be ready for the upcoming chilly temperatures.
Let’s see there’s Goat, Goose, Dog, Cow . . . Cow!?  No, Cow is huge and hairy.  There is a passel of Piggies, though.  Running around like an spirited, single-minded knitter, Duckling fashions an array of winter attire.  Looking out the window, a satisfied duckling sees the snow.  In the next second an utter disaster is discovered.  Again, the clever clothier has a solution.  Two universal words are uttered.
When you read this story penned by
Lita Judge
, you can feel your mood lightening.  The first person narrative of Duckling is like that of a small child discovering something wonderful in abundance.  They are so excited their mind is operating like the balls in a pinball machine.
Duckling’s ability to connect the right attire to each animal via Wuddles’s wool is witty.  As each animal is clothed, the banter will likely lead to gales of laughter from readers.  Here is a passage.
Wuddles, did we forget anyone?
Oh yes, there is Dog.
He’s fine. Furry head,
furry tail.
ACK! …