PreS-Gr 1 Zelda, a hedgehog, and Aaron, an anteater, are the best of friends. When Zelda finds out her family is moving, she and her pal decide to play "one last time like nothing is changing." They swing, seesaw, go out in a rowboat, etc. The hedgehog family make their move, and when Zelda unpacks her suitcase, she finds it filled with pictures of all the friends' favorite outings and numerous notes from Aaron. Zelda thinks, "You seem so far away, and then I unpack-and there you are!" The last page pictures Zelda writing back to Aaron, and readers know that although separated, the friends will stay connected. This is a sweet if slight story, best shared one-on-one. The pen and watercolor illustrations are filled with homey details that children will enjoy, and enhance the poignant tone of the story, particularly the picture of large Aaron trying to pack himself in Zelda's tiny suitcase. VERDICT A sweet and tender moving story that makes a fine addition to most collections. Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Zelda the hedgehog is sad to be moving far away from her best friend, Aaron the anteater, and suggests they spend their remaining time indulging in their favorite activities. Once she gets to her new home, Zelda discovers that Aaron has stuffed her suitcase full of drawings and notes documenting their many good times d she uses these items to decorate her cozy new room. While the text, formed by Zelda's brief narrative comments, is minimal, it successfully conveys the range of emotions inherent in moving and in leaving a friend behind. The pen-and-watercolor illustrations, awash in soft greens and browns, show an inviting and reassuring environment. In addition, the joy and delight Aaron and Zelda feel when having fun together are readily apparent in their facial expressions and body language (Aaron uses his long anteater tongue in several mischievous ways), as are the more somber moments where they deal with the move. Sweet and upbeat, this is a testament to the endurance of friendship.