Trial and Error

Gr 1-5–Written by an attorney and legal editor, this book introduces children to the legal system through the career of Sawyer the Critter Lawyer. In a brief flashback from her childhood, Sawyer is introduced as an ant with a strong sense of right and wrong who still needed to learn why it is important to follow rules. As a result of this lesson, Sawyer is inspired to help others understand all the rules and becomes a lawyer. Newman takes care to mention that Sawyer “studied hard, passed all her tests, and opened an office,” giving readers a realistic view of this career path. The book, featuring sketch style illustrations in grayscale, is then split into the four cases that Sawyer deals with in a single day: a speeding ticket, two property disputes, and jaywalking. Sawyer is shown dealing with these cases through either trial or mediation, using actual legal terms (a glossary of legal terms is included) and showing the different roles of lawyers in easily digestible circumstances. However, both of Sawyer’s trial cases feature the same stereotypical portrayal of police in Officer Possum, whose poor eyesight, negligence, dereliction of duty, and love of donuts cause both cases to be dismissed by the judge. It is unfortunate that this otherwise engaging introduction to the legal system should feature such an uninspiring view of its law enforcement component.