Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Mama Deer didn't think Dearie would survive. He was very small and weak at birth. She coddled him, kept him warm and, with the help of the herd, made sure that he was safe. Dearie did survive, but the coddling continued as Dearie matured. Too much protection made Dearie into a very frightened deer, one that was afraid of his own shadow. If a predator suddenly threatened the herd, all the other deer and does ran to safety, but Dearie froze in his tracks, too frightened to move. He was becoming a hazard for the entire herd. Something had to be done.

Papa Deer and Wise Old Deer insisted that Dearie be left behind to fend for himself. Mama Deer didn't agree, but she was forced to leave her young one alone, to make him learn how to take care of himself. Not only does Dearie survive, but he becomes a strong, brave deer and, when he returns to the herd, everyone is very proud of him as they welcome him home.

Gita V. Reddy has written a charming story in Dearie: A Tale of Courage that will appeal to young readers. The story teaches not only the importance of listening to elders and learning from their wisdom, but also to act quickly to defend oneself. A young deer is an easy prey when left alone, but with the wisdom of his elders, Dearie, even as a youngster, can protect himself and survive. It's a scary world out there and all young people need to be brave when venturing out into the world, but they also need the wisdom shared by their elders. This is a delightful children's story about learning to be courageous in a scary world.