Новая детская книга о дружбе белки и подсолнуха призывает к единству в различиях

Maspeth author Maxine Fisher’s latest children’s book highlights a concept that readers of all ages could stand to see more of — forming bonds amid differences. Fisher’s latest title, “Under the Pretzel Tree,” published in May, follows a gray squirrel named Earl who resides at none other than Juniper Park, a nod to Middle Village’s beloved green space. One day, he hears beautiful music that he later discovers came from a sunflower, to whom he gives the name Angie for her angelic voice. The two become fast friends, sharing tales from their lives as different species. Fisher said her book was in part inspired by a photograph she saw several years ago, of what appeared to be a squirrel embracing a sunflower. She also drew from her love for classical music, and her own observations at the real Juniper Valley Park. “A lot of the conversation that goes on in the book and a lot of the scenes involving actions are actually true to form, and they’re somewhat instructive as to the behavior of these creatures,” Fisher said. A friend of hers has witnessed raccoons eating pizza with their hands, she said, and the book includes a picnic scene in which the critters do just that. But friendship and caring for one’s neighbor are the story’s central tenets. “The diverse relations ... between species is something that always fascinates me, charms me,” Fisher said, explaining that connections exist between different life forms in nature that one may not expect, and those are good models for children to see. Earl the squirrel assists his various neighbors throughout the book, whether it’s helping Angie get water, nursing his sick friend, Mr. Twitch, back to health in the dead of winter and even partaking in the lively picnic. “I think of it as a fairly simple story about what good comes of forging ties with others and doing things together, and also taking care of our neighbors,” Fisher said. The story also follows the park ecosystem through the four seasons, demonstrating how different species survive the cold months. Perennials, including Angie the sunflower, go underground to their “winter home,” setting up a heartwarming reunion when spring returns, along with her beautiful song. Illustrations by Tom Hachtman help bring the story to life, from a whimsical image of Earl catching snowflakes on his tongue to another inside Mr. Twitch’s abode in a tree. Fisher’s book is available for purchase on Amazon.