In what ways do you show your loyalty to your friends?In this latest installment to the wildly successful and endearing Fox and Chick series, readers once again find three stories that show just how much Fox and Chick care for one another. In "Up and Down," Fox helps Chick overcome their fear of climbing down from a high tree branch. In "Seventeen Snowflakes," it's a sunny day, but Chick is waiting for enough snow to be able to go sledding; Fox implores Chick to be patient. In "The New Bookcase," Fox brings Chick a gift. Chick wonders, "Is it a large meringue cake?" It's in fact a book, and Chick immediately builds a bookcase for it to show their appreciation. Fox shows amazing patience with, and love for, Chick throughout. The brilliant pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations have spare backgrounds, placing the focus on Fox and Chick, who have delightfully detailed facial expressions. Even when we see Chick from a distance, stuck in the tree, we can tell how distressed they are. The lettering uses just the right mix of standard and fancy fonts to be unique yet easy for emerging readers to decipher. (This book was reviewed digitally.)A marvelous visit with familiar friends! (Beginning reader. 4-7)

K-Gr 3 Fox and Chick return in three new stories highlighting Chick's humorous lack of self-awareness and Fox's gentle encouragement. Chick panics atop a tree, seemingly unable to climb down; Chick impatiently counts each snowflake in anticipation of sledding; and Chick isn't sure what to do with a book gifted by Fox. Ruzzier's gentle palette, large panels, and spacious speech bubbles ensure early readers will be able to follow the text and sequence of events. The friends model good listening skills and kindness, with each animal speaking clearly and projecting warm smiles. Chick's adorable antics will elicit gigglesfor instance, building build a bookshelf for one bookbut Fox makes sure Chick is never the butt of a joke. VERDICT The fuzzy pair once more exhibit behavior to emulate as they resolve minor differences, withhold judgment, and meet each other where they are. Fans of the series will be as delighted as newcomers.