The Guessing Game — Catherine Rayner

Olive the owl is especially good at playing Guess What?, frustrating her friends in this tenderly illustrated story about an endearing trio.Outside their home in the oak tree at the edge of the meadow, three animal friends are eager to play Olive’s favorite guessing game. “Guess what I’m thinking about,” says Dexter the fox, looking straight at his answer, giving it away. Next is Molly the hare, whose answer is easily guessed because she has pieces of it sticking out of her mouth. But when Olive the owl takes her turn, her friends are soon stumped and grumbly, ready to give up. What could be two things Olive is thinking about at the same time—things that are nearby and lovely, even lovelier than flowers? With beautifully spare, expressive watercolor illustrations, quiet humor, and a gentle text, Kate Greenaway Medalist Catherine Rayner portrays familiar toddler emotions with reassurance and charm, capturing a moment among three friends that young children will feel instantly at home with.