Missing Pairs

Yvonne Ivinson is the author of the picture books Fox and the Box and The Missing Pairs. She lives in the countryside near London, England, and tries very hard not to misplace her socks, mittens, or boots. www.yvonneivinson.comYvonne Ivinson is the author of the picture books Fox and the Box and The Missing Pairs. She lives in the countryside near London, England, and tries very hard not to misplace her socks, mittens, or boots. www.yvonneivinson.com

“Hand-drawn ‘Lost’ signs are going up all over a forest at this picture book’s start, and it seems that every animal is missing something. . . . The urgency of the animals’ quest is almost palpable, and the art’s autumnal cast is winning: the leaves float slowly off the trees, the cast wears bright woolly scarves, and from the looks of the icy blue sky and waving grasses, the forecast is windy with a nip in the air. It practically demands a reading with a side of hot chocolate.” — Publishers Weekly“Falling leaves and chilly weather means it's time to start bundling up. But unfortunately for Fox, one sock is missing. . . . Ivinson's colorful, richly textured acrylic illustrations of the animated animals are bursting with charm, and the varied perspectives and droll details—from their festive accessories to the many handmade ‘Lost’ flyers tacked onto trees—add lots of visual interest and engagement. The accessible text interspersing rhyme and playful formatting makes for a lively read-aloud and, together with the artwork, offers a cheery picture-book mystery that will delight many kids.” — Booklist“In a community of animal friends, personal items are going missing. . . . Realistic acrylic paintings in deep hues with textured brushstrokes to elicit the furry/fluffy coats and whiskers of the animals provide clues throughout. . . . The easily read text, conveyed mostly in dialogue and playfully incorporating the occasional rhyme, brings the mystery to a close . . . An intriguing whodunit couched in a simple story of friendship and indulgence.” — Kirkus Reviews