Friends Forever

July 15, 2018
Three short chapters on camaraderie star a duo of polar-opposite reptiles. Hat-wearing Croc brings the pessimism to Ally's infectious positivity. The two don't always get along, but they are excellent at compromising. In "Move Over," Ally's refusal to move on the sofa (they like being close to Croc) propels Croc to suggest that the pair trade in the sofa for two chairs. In "Mr. Grumpy Pants," Ally reverses roles with Croc to show him what his grumpy face actually looks like. Likewise, Croc flips the script to show Ally their happy-go-lucky face (unintentionally turning his own frown upside down). In "The Moon Is Hiding," the sleepy pals go on a nighttime hunt for the moon (Ally can't sleep without finding it). Neither sees it, but Croc comes up with a creative solution. In fewer than 100 words, Anderson's (Ten Pigs, 2015) early-reader debut is classic opposites-attract comedy. Added details, such as the books Ally reads (Grumpy No More and More Fun), reward discerning readers. The text has at most three sentences per page, each with a relatively small word count (at most 13). Anderson scales back his usual textured acrylic style in favor of sleek, black-outlined cartoon critters in mostly earth-tone surroundings. À la Frog and Toad, this duo's friendship is staggeringly cute (the sole wordless double-page spread is a case in point, showing a confused Croc and blissfully oblivious Ally). Goofy and fun. Readers will look forward to future outings. (Early reader. 6-8)

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