Mama Seeton's Whistle by Jerry Spinelli - ADVISABLE

Spinelli, Jerry Mama Seeton’s Whistle, illustrated by LeUyen Pham. PICTURE BOOK. 40 pgs. Little Brown and Company, 2015. $17.00. Content: G.  

The first time Mama Seeton comes outside to call her boy to dinner, she can’t find him, so she whistles.  It isn’t loud, it isn’t fancy, but she gets his attention and he comes running.  This evening tradition continues as each of her children play further from home, somehow, no matter where they are in the town, the sound of her whistle reaches them and they come running.  Eventually the children grow and move away and Mama Seeton is lonely with no one to whistle for.  

This book is so nostalgic!  Spinelli is a masterful storyteller and the illustrations complement and enhance it perfectly.  Follow mama’s whistle to each of her children and see what they are doing.  This is a great bedtime story. Adults will love the old fashioned look of the illustrations, and the heartwarming story.  

EL  (K-3) - ADVISABLE  Lisa Librarian