The Three Little Mittens
Book Review by Jayne Bucknell
Written by Linda Bailey
Illustrated by Natalia Shaloshvili
This is a beautiful story that is in keeping with the season, but also delivers a beautiful message. I believe this story sends a great message to children, especially those who feel that they need to “fit in”.
The story begins with two little mittens, Dotty, and Other Dotty, but there is also a third mitten, Stripes. “You don’t match” say Dotty and Other Dotty, “What’s the use of a single mitten?”
Stripes is sure there must be a reason for her to be there, but the two Dotty’s cant see it and the truth is, Stripes can’t see her purpose either. She had been trapped in the little girl’s pocket, she never got out, she never made a snowball, she never patted a dog.
But then, one day, Other Dotty is accidentally left behind and Stripes and Dotty become a pair. The situation feels odd to both of them, they both agree that it just feels weird. But as they get to know each other, they became almost friends, but then someone else turns up….
Other Stripes had been dragged under the couch by a dog and had been left there for a whole month, but now the two Stripes are reunited, and Dotty is the odd one out. As the three mittens were debating the purpose of an extra mitten, they hear a big voice, who says “I have a question”.
The big voice belongs to the little girl, she wonders “why do you have to match?” The mittens don’t know, but they do know that somebody always gets left out and that means that somebody doesn’t feel good. The little girl retrieves a cardboard box from the closet and dumps out all of her lost and odd mittens, and even a few gloves. She decides that from now on she is going to wear non-matching mittens every day.
At first the mittens find it weird but gradually they get to know and like each other. They meet new friends and discover that every one of them is an original. It’s not long before the socks and the shoes catch on……
This book speaks to inclusion and belonging, but it also speaks to the importance of individuality and knowing your own worth.