Cress Watercress
Age 8+
Fantasy & Magical Realism
A lavishly illustrated woodland tale with a classic sensibility and modern flair—from the fertile imagination behind Wicked
Gregory Maguire turns his trademark wit and wisdom to an animal adventure about growing up, moving on, and finding community. When Papa doesn't return from a nocturnal honey-gathering expedition, Cress holds out hope, but her mother assumes the worst. It’s a dangerous world for rabbits, after all. Mama moves what’s left of the Watercress family to the basement unit of the Broken Arms, a run-down apartment oak with a suspect owl landlord, a nosy mouse super, a rowdy family of squirrels, and a pair of songbirds who broadcast everyone’s business. Can a dead tree full of annoying neighbors, and no Papa, ever be home? In the timeless spirit of E. B. White and The Wind and the Willows—yet thoroughly of its time—this read-aloud and read-alone gem for animal lovers of all ages features an unforgettable cast that leaps off the page in glowing illustrations by David Litchfield. This tender meditation on coming-of-age invites us to flourish wherever we find ourselves.
Creators
Gregory Maguire is the author of the incredibly popular books in the Wicked Years series, including Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which inspired the musical. He is also the author of several books for children, including What-the-Dickens, a New York Times bestseller, and Egg & Spoon, a New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book of the Year. Gregory Maguire lives outside Boston.
David Litchfield started to draw when he was very young, creating comics for his older brother and sister. Since then his work has appeared in magazines, newspapers, and books and on T-shirts. His first picture book, The Bear and the Piano, won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. He is also the illustrator of Rain Before Rainbows by Smriti Prasadam-Halls and War Is Over by David Almond. David Litchfield lives in England.
Reviews
Children aged 7+ will recognise the struggles of growing up when things do not go smoothly or when fear enters one’s life. This is worth reading for its simplicity and heart. Illustrations are simple but reveal details that will appeal to young readers.
Read Plus
A beautifully written book with a classic feel, but still having contemporary appeal, it’s an excellent option for encouraging kids to experience quality literature.
Reading Time
From Gregory Maguire, author of the book that inspired the stage phenomenon Wicked, and stunningly supported by picture book creator David Litchfield’s glorious illustrations full of colour and imagination, Cress Watercress is a new classic in the making. With its themes of learning empathy, discovering new friendships, finding independence, and being able to move forward after a tragedy, this lovely tale teaches as it entertains.
Readings
As the story unfolds we see Cress adjusting to her new life and testing the limits of her mother’s patience. Each day brings new adventures, some quite exciting. Over the year Cress discovers so much about herself, about growing up and she gains an awareness of the way others react to events. She also explores her new environment and finds a way to share her true talent which is kindness. The production values of this book is simply wonderful
Momo Time to Read
I was completely and utterly beguiled by Cress Watercress – I loved it! It’s bound to become a contemporary classic as it has an ageless spirit, sitting comfortably alongside such greats as The Wind in the Willows, Charlotte’s Web and Watership Down.
Readings
