A perfect blend of silly fun and invaluable lessons.
Harmony Lane has a farmers market that is a cornucopia of delightful colors, sounds, and treats. A group of animal friends have come together to sell their finest goods and raise money for the old playground next door. Fun and games have taken a toll on the playground and it could use some fresh paint, a few new toys, and a good cleanup. Fortunately, all the farm-fresh produce and tiny desserts earn enough money to make the renovations possible. The project begins the next morning with Mouse organizing the animals into groups with unique tasks. Whether painting, planting, or tidying, each animal is eager to work hard and get the job done. But it doesn’t take long to realize that more is needed than just hard work. While they take a well-deserved and much-needed break, the animals reflect on their progress. Mouse has a suggestion that might help them finish the job. “Instead of working harder, let’s try working smarter.” Though it’s not easy at first, the friends all figure out smarter ways to finish their tasks. By working together and using their creative problem-solving skills, the animals soon enjoy a wonderfully renovated park and the sense of accomplishment that comes from getting the job done.
Let’s Work Smarter by Katharine Mitropoulos is a perfect blend of silly fun and invaluable lessons. Kids will be drawn in by the warm characters and their inquisitive personalities. With pleasant illustrations and relatable scenes, each page is inviting and approachable, offering opportunities for families to interact. Children will love identifying each animal and their comical predicaments, but for adults, the real charm lies in the subtle details. When the group gathers for lunch, each has a meal unique to their personality or reputation and the artwork is nothing short of adorable! Kitten is sipping a tall glass of milk, Mouse is nibbling on a wedge of cheese, and Frog is enjoying a sandwich with flies peeking out from the bread. The book’s basic lesson about learning to work smarter rather than harder is one children will carry with them as they grow. To help settle the concepts deep in young readers, the author concludes the book with practical suggestions for cultivating this sensible mindset. With a cute cast of animals that kids will love getting to know, Let’s Work Smarter is a lively look at goals, teamwork, and accomplishment.
