Two Little Red Mittens - by Kirin Hayashi (Hardcover)

About the Book

"The little red left mitten and the little red right mitten enjoy their life as a pair, keeping Little One's hands warm and toasty. But one day Little One loses the right mitten--and it's off on an adventure through the forest! Passed among various woodland creatures, the little right mitten soon becomes tattered--yet it remains cherished, always, by those who find it. Meanwhile, the left mitten can't help but worry about its old pal, even after a new right mitten is knitted. Will these dear friends ever see each other again?"--

Book Synopsis

Two mittens. A pair of friends.

The little red left mitten and the little red right mitten enjoy their life as a pair, keeping Little One's hands warm and toasty. But one day Little One loses the right mitten--and it's off on an adventure through the forest! Passed among various woodland creatures, the little right mitten soon becomes tattered--yet it remains cherished, always, by those who find it. Meanwhile, the left mitten can't help but worry about its old pal, even after a new right mitten is knitted. Will these dear friends ever see each other again?

Review Quotes

"An unusual though soothing tale that's as comforting as a soft pair of mittens." --Kirkus Reviews

"After a child's mittens become separated during a snowy outing, one provides comfort to a series of animals in this meditative story, which imbues its woolen subjects with tender emotion." --Publishers Weekly

"The story unfolds with a minimum of drama, driven by a childlike imagination that envisions how animals might repurpose a mitten. Reflecting the narrative's gentle tone, the illustrations are softly shaded pencil drawings, warmed with colored pencils that enhance the woodland and interior scenes... First published in Japan, this picture book will speak to children whether or not their winters bring snow." --Booklist

"Imbued with multiple levels of meaning and depth. And while you probably think you know where this poetic tale is headed, its ending may still come as a surprise." --Global Literature in Libraries Initiative

"Hayashi's gentle story authentically taps into a young child's vivid imagination. The narrative's nicely balanced tension holds readers' interest without stoking up worries--there's a sense that all will be well. Okada's soft illustrations, rendered in pencil and colored pencils, perfectly match the tale's old-fashioned sensibility and quiet winter setting." --The Horn Book Magazine

"A beautifully illustrated world filled with snow awaits the young reader in the adventure of the red mitten." --Midwest Book Review