Wutaryoo

PreS-Gr 3–Wutaryoo is unlike any other animal in her habitat; in fact, she is so unique that neither she nor her friends can quite determine what kind of animal she is. Her appearance is a combination of physical traits of other animals, which heightens the mystery of her identity. Unlike Wutaryoo, other animals in the kingdom can provide a name, where they are from, and how they arrived at their shared home at a particular point in time. Although she is saddened by her lack of knowledge, Wutaryoo embarks on a journey of discovery in which she learns the folklore, ancestry, and origin story of animals around the world, creating her own story in the process. McGruder’s (How to Find a Fox) watercolor illustrations and generous use of earthy colors are as varied as the strange and wonderful creatures Wutaryoo encounters. Older, more discerning readers may identify several possible interpretations of Wutaryoo’s story, while all will get the message that they have the power to create their own story and define who they are.