Polly Hopper's Pouch

As someone who reads about 1000 children's books a year (I'm an editor at one of the NY biggies), it's not often that I'm blown away by a newcomer's book. But it happens, and it happened with this one--Polly Hopper's Pouch. It's an all-too-rare example of a perfect marriage between text and illustration, the seamless blending of innocent, curious text offset by warm, soft illustrations. Well done!As for the story itself, it's one that small children will certainly be drawn to. Polly Hopper is a curious kangaroo. She can't help but wonder about life and it's many curiosities. But the biggest mystery to Polly Hopper is why she has a "shopping bag" on her tummy. She ultimately realizes that her pouch is meant for a cute little baby kangaroo, but not before a setting out on a charming journey of discovery expertly depicted by illustrator Chesak-Liberace and author Bonnett-Rampersaud. Full marks!