The Society of Distinguished Lemmings
by Julie Colombet
You are distinguished, just in a different way
 Let's start with the lemmings, the most adorable little critters to grace the pages of a picture book. |  |
They are not ordinary lemmings. Oh no. These small rodents are members of an exclusive group, The Society of Distinguished Lemmings.
Society members occupy their days with Shakespearean plays, fine meals, and other high-brow pursuits. The posted list of rules keeps everyone in line. They include the following:
Society members occupy their days with Shakespearean plays, fine meals, and other high-brow pursuits. The posted list of rules keeps everyone in line. They include the following:
- Lemmings only
- Always act in a distinguished manner
- No unseemly or wild behavior
- No questioning the rules
 One day, Bertie has had enough. He decides to venture out of the underground burrow. He meets a bear who introduces Bertie to the joys of rolling around in the grass and playing in the mud. The aristocratic lemmings are shocked. Such behaviors are against the rules. Bertie and Bear are expelled. Bear is crushed. He has let his friend down. |  |
Meanwhile, the Society has moved on and planned a little summer vacation. They are off to the seashore. What starts as a delightful romp in the ocean water, becomes a terrifying experience when they realize they are exhausted and far from shore.
Fortunately, Bertie and Bear arrive in time to save the water-logged rodents. The grateful lemmings know that it is time to make some adjustments in their society. The former rules are abandoned. A much happier and more inclusive group celebrates outdoors with a picnic.
The charm of this book is in the details. Colombet gives the lemmings distinctive personalities. Readers will enjoy locating the group leader, Bertie, and Norm throughout the story. Numerous speech bubbles reveal personality quirks. The seashore excursion includes a lemming who packs a stuffed toy that bears a striking resemblance to Knuffle Bunny. Another worries about saltwater which causes one's paws to be "pruney." There is plenty of word play. When meeting the bear for the first time observations are "I think things are about to get grizzly..." and "This is unbearable."
It may be interesting to introduce students to the concept of referring to a group of people as lemmings. It might include a discussion of group dynamics and individuality.
Anyone can be distinguished, in any way they choose.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: March 1, 2020 Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company ISBN: 978-1682631560
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