Gr 2-5-The lean, carefree verse treads lightly through events in E.B. White's life and occasionally lingers on rich, imagistic descriptions of the rural rhythms that so inspired him ("Elwyn's senses sharpened/to the ripe scent of manure,/the creak of harness leather,/the perfect shape of eggs..."). These particular moments shine and could provide useful material for poetry units on writing using the senses. Herkert presents White's life as relatively untroubled, creating a harmonious feeling that may fill some readers with peace and may lull others to sleep. Castillo's friendly ink-and-watercolor illustrations also contribute to the sense of cheerful pleasantness. Curiously, while the text does elaborate on how and why White wrote Stuart Little and Charlotte's Web, it makes no mention of The Trumpet of the Swan outside of the author's note. (The author's note also provides additional context and information on important dates, details, and awards.) VERDICT Herkert's poetry is a delight to the senses, though the overall package is on the slight side. A winsome picture book biography to pair with Melissa Sweet's Some Writer!: The Story of E.B. White.-Kate Stadt, Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library, MA © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

This quiet biography begins with young Elwayn White, later known as Andy, sick in bed with a mouse as his companion. Readers then see Andy as he explores attics and barns, always observant of sights and smells. After spending dreaded days at school, he communes with his many animals and writes in his journal. While in college, a mouse with a hat and cane appears to Andy in a dream, and he regales his young relatives with tales of Stuart Little. As an adult, Andy moves his family to Maine, where he writes down Stuart's escapades, as well as stories about pigs, swans, and spiders: His stories capture the glory of nature and the comfort of hope. For those who know Charlotte or Stuart, this book, which has the feel of poetry, will fill in information about White, though the evocative text isn't balanced by any sense of whimsy. The spacious artwork, with a sturdy accent on the natural world, is lovely but also staid. Still, this gives an important glimpse into how inspiration can pop up anywhere.--Cooper, Ilene Copyright 2017 Booklist

Herkert and Castillo pay tender tribute to Elwyn White who, as E.B. White, would write three enduring books for children: Stuart Little, Charlotte's Web, and The Trumpet of the Swan. In a subtle narrative structured like verse, Herkert dwells on White's childhood, on the foundational connections he made to nature (including a mouse he secretly kept in his room), and his attentiveness to his natural surroundings: "His ears captured/ an owl's query,/ the breeze's beckoning,/ the scuffing of horse hooves." Castillo uses brown ink, soft watercolors, and digital manipulation to create sturdy, nostalgic scenes of city and country to accompany the development of White's writing and family life. Rich and rewarding. Ages 5-9. Author's agent: Karen Grencik, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator's agent: Paul Rodeen, Rodeen Literary Management. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.