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Look carefully. There may be a gem in your garden.
For nearly four decades, watercolorist Holly Hobbie has drawn inspiration from the wonders of nature. During one especially hard winter, she found herself imagining the story of a determined toad’s spring journey. Her vivid depiction of this endearing creature’s glorious yet fragile world is a sparkling celebration of survival and renewal. From the muddy brown road outside a farmhouse to the sweet-smelling garden to the cool lily pads in the pond, readers will feel their senses rejuvenated by Holly Hobbie’s gemlike, detailed paintings in this nearly wordless work.
Praise
* "Luminous watercolor, pen and ink illustrations. A palette of fresh greens and yellows heralds springtime, while varying frame sizes and perspectives allow readers to view the realistically rendered toad's cross-country ramble from multiple view.... A stunning gem indeed."
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review * "Hobbie clearly delights in painting the arrival of spring, and Gem is its living embodiment."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review "Hobbie's watercolor with pen-and-ink illustrations are wonderful. The toad is depicted realistically while still imbued with personality and comic expressions, making it an engaging character.... a nearly wordless toad-a-riffic time."
—School Library Journal "The watercolor and ink pictures themselves are a pure and verdant delight.... a welcome reminder of spring and of the truth that, like all wild animals, 'toads are not pets. They want to be free, like everything does.'"
—The Bulletin "Gracefully illustrated."
—Booklist "A shining star in the collection of Holly Hobbie books."
—Library Media Connection 
