Mil's Review of Sharon Winters Latest Book

Educational and Inspiring

It probably shouldn't come as a surprise that the author who penned the highly informative and entertaining memoir, Cutted Chicken in Shanghai, should bring these qualities to her first foray into children's books.  Within the 32 page format standard for young readers, Sharon Winters manages to deftly fit not only a wealth of facts about the lives, characteristics and challenges of desert rodents, but also introduces a character filled with insecurities, longings and fears individuals of every species (and age) can relate to.   

As the youngest of seven desert rat children, Leilani is ridiculed for her small size and inability to measure up to her siblings' achievements.  But, in seeking refuge against a close call that turns her frustrations into all-out fear, Leilani happens upon a new friend, who helps her understand that being short on physical attributes doesn't make her short on value -- and that a little patience and belief can spark truly amazing growth. 

Though an acknowledgement tells us the book was written for Sharon's youngest granddaughter (who shares her name with the title character), it presents a warm and touching story of universal appeal. Beautifully augmented by simply styled drawings that clearly portray Leilani's emotions and environment, the author's words inspire readers to wish along with "Runtie" that her dreams of growing as big, strong -- and fast -- as her older brothers and sisters might be fulfilled, and to revel in the whimsical resolution that changes her life by leaps and bounds.      

Get your copy of Runtie the Desert Rat here.