Punny Rhymes: A Tale of Two Tails

Illustrated with gorgeous autumnal-hued watercolors, Tanja Hiti-Stearns' A Tale of Two Tails (2018) is a lovely picture book that relates the tale of Mr. Bits's conflict with a golden-haired tabby, Fred.

Written in rhyming couplets and with rich vocabulary, the story is that of Mr. Bits whose plan to stock up for the winter by taking supplies stored in the tabby's home goes awry. Vowing to avenge his lost pride, Mr. Bits convenes a council of fellow chipmunks to enact their plan. Mr. Bits and crew succeed, and in doing so teach Fred a lesson about kindness.

It is clear that a lot of thought and care went into the creation of A Tale of Two Tails, down to the font used, an element which really added to its appeal. In doing so, the book feels like a classic, evoking the old world charm captured in the Peter Rabbit books. 

A Tale of Two Tails brings comfort and is worthy of being added on one's bookshelf.