Sweety

This kind but snarky, winningly honest story about being a square peg is sure to appeal to misfits and queen bees alike. (Picture book. 4-8)

Zuill's opening description of her eponymous protagonist has startling frankness: "Sweety was awkward. Even for a naked mole rat." Indeed, Sweety seems designed to test the limits of readers' tolerance for eccentricities. Her prominent braces and spectacles make all the other anthropomorphized naked mole rats around her look downright mainstream; she misreads social cues and has passions that others find peculiar ("Would you like to come over to my house and help me identify fungi?" she asks another mole rat). But thanks to the unconditional affection and wise counsel of her Aunt Ruth, who was also a "square peg" growing up, Sweety has a nascent and increasingly firm belief that "being Sweety wasn't so bad. In fact, it could be pretty awesome." Readers who resonate with Sweety's singularity may find their credulity initially tested, especially since Sweety's peers are uncomprehending rather than thoughtless or cruel (her invitation to explore mycology is met with a puzzled but polite decline). But Zuill (Business Pig), who is fast becoming the bard of different-drummer types, effectively employs empathy, honesty, and an elegant ink line to persuade readers that everyone can find their people. Ages 3-7. Agent: Erzsi Deàk, Hen&ink Literary Studio. (Mar.)

K-Gr 2--Sweety is a particularly awkward naked mole rat. She doesn't always fit in with her classmates. She likes different things, like mushrooms and interpretive dance. Her grandmother calls her a square peg, but Aunt Ruth understands her. Aunt Ruth is a square peg herself and explains to Sweety that if the young mole rat stays true to herself, she will find her people. Sweety wonders who "her people" are and how will they recognize one another. Will there be a secret handshake? Sweety is indeed awkward, with head gear to pull her prominent front teeth together and thick eyeglasses. Pen-and-ink drawings, scanned and colored digitally in a washed color palette, depict the naked mole rats in clothing and other humanlike elements. Drawn with lots of squiggly black lines, tiny eyes, bald heads, and spindly limbs, the cast of characters could be described as adorable and dorky. Composition varies from page to page, ranging from spreads to multiple vignettes. The touching and comedic prose, dotted with an occasional conversation bubble, pairs perfectly with the adorkable characters. Square pegs rejoice, Zuill has created a worthy addition to her lineup of whimsical and lovable character-filled picture books. VERDICT A sweet and heartening selection, best shared one-on-one or in a small group setting.-Mindy Hiatt, Salt Lake County Library Services