Rabbit best friends Pepper and Frannie excitedly prepare for a concert-but when the curtain rises, can they overcome an unexpected case of stage fright?Exuberant, extroverted Frannie and shy, pragmatic Pepper are back! In this companion to Odell's authorial debut, Pepper and Frannie (2019), the leporine pals explore musical pursuits: Black-and-white Pepper practices piano while brown Frannie sings, dances, and strikes dramatic poses all over town. When Frannie decides to host and perform a (free!) concert in an enchanting forest amphitheater, Pepper is there every step of the way-with her backstage checklist, of course. But Frannie, focused on the fabulous costumes and special effects, has neglected something important: guitar practice. As she steps onto the stage, she forgets the chords to her favorite song, and her confidence dissolves while a couple of pigs exchange concerned looks from the back row. Luckily, readers (and Frannie) can count on Pepper to save the day, proving that our differences are truly what make us special. Odell's playful, rounded illustrations utilize subtle layers of color dominated by cool tones-greens, blues, and violets-that contrast with the thick, rich, red curtain. Speech bubbles, paired with restrained text, emphasize the visual narrative, which expertly captures Frannie's evocative postures and expressions as well as Pepper's quiet focus.A charming, colorful celebration of the unique contributions we each bring to our friendships. Encore! (Picture book. 3-8)

K-Gr 2 Pepper and Frannie are best friends, each with their own unique skills and talents. When extroverted Frannie wants to stage a performance, her practical friend Pepper is there to support her and handle all the details. They discover that working together, they can combine their talents and really shine. The colorful and fun-loving Frannie splashes across the page as she practices her dance moves, designs her costume, and perfects her theatrical debut. Pepper helps with all the technical aspects such as lighting and props, illustrated in a uniform set of colors and consistently tidy manner. When the show begins, it is apparent that Frannie focused too much on the visual and not enough on the practical, so Pepper saves the day. It is a true story of friendship, balance, and support. Odell's text is simple and straighforward, and the illustrations are colorful and sweet, with nods to famous movies and performers. VERDICT This quaint and enjoyable tale reminds readers of the value of friendship. Kaitlin Malixi, Kensington Health Sciences Academy, Philadelphia