Knudsen, Michelle. Wesson, Andrea. ARGUS, 32 pgs. Candlewick, 2011. $15.99. Inside cover: “Sally’s class is doing a science project, and Mrs. Henshaw is handing out eggs for hatching. "Mine looks different," says Sally. When Sally’s egg cracks, what emerges is something green and scaly with big yellow eyes. Argus isn’t like the other chicks: he isn’t small and fuzzy, and he doesn’t like seeds and bugs. He’d rather eat other chicks, or even the students! As Argus gets bigger and into more and more trouble, Sally can’t help wishing her chick was more like the others. Will Argus ever be anything besides just… different?” I suppose the saying, “All’s well that ends well” could be used to describe this book. In the end, all worked out. But I have some reservations about how we got there. I was shocked when Sally told her teacher that things weren’t working out, and the teacher replied, “Don’t be difficult.” By forcing Sally to stick with this “different” chick, it made her different- in a not so good way. She was forced to complete different charts, play alone at recess, etc. It simply didn’t sit well with us. Having said all that, the illustrations are great. And the story ends on the right note. Maybe I am just a little sensitive for kids put in tough situations and how adults react to their feelings. Pre-K. EL (K-3). OPTIONAL. Reviewer: SL.
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