From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2–Two close friends who are very different in size share three amiable adventures. In the first, the simple act of going for a walk in their bayoulike environment proves tricky when Heron's long legs carry her much farther than Turtle's short legs carry him. An agreeable solution is found when Turtle suggests that they ride together in his rowboat. Next, when Heron arrives for an unexpected visit at lunchtime, Turtle kindly builds a tall chair to make his guest comfortable. Finally, the two sit together by the lake and enjoy the sounds of a warm summer evening as well as the pleasure of one another's company. The pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations rely heavily on a green palette and clearly depict the characters in their idyllic setting. There are several humorous touches, such as a jamming jazz band made up of a raccoon, a rabbit, and a skunk, all wearing matching purple coats and black ties. A charming entry into the pantheon of Frog and Toad friendship stories.
–Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
PreS-Gr. 2. In three short tales, neighbors Heron and Turtle figure out how to enjoy each other's company despite their significant physical differences. Turtle cannot keep up with long-legged Heron's walking pace, so they travel in a boat instead. When Heron joins Turtle for lunch, Turtle arranges his furniture to accommodate his friend's size. In the final story, they enjoy a summer evening at the pond together. The full-page illustrations, rendered in pen-and-ink and watercolor, portray a prim and proper Heron, dressed in a broad-brimmed hat and ruffled frock, which contrast with Turtle's casual ensemble of shorts, t-shirt, and baseball cap. Sweet but not cloying, tender but not sentimental, these pleasant stories focus on the adjustments that friends make to compensate for differences.
Linda PerkinsCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
