In their second volume, Fox and Rabbit return for five new loosely connected adventures as summer turns to fall. Flush with their lemonade-stand earnings from the previous book, they start by treating themselves and their friends to ice cream. This leads to a bubble-gum blowing contest (and an unfortunately necessary trip to the hairdresser for Fox), a playground adventure, a corn-maze escape, and an idyllic afternoon carving pumpkins. The brightly colored comic-panel art develops and helps clarify details and plot points in the story, and its soft, round lines give the characters and settings an endearing, huggable quality. Fox and Rabbit carry the tales, but other animal friends repeatedly show up -- ever-hungry Sparrow, new friend Owl with the wonderful imagination, and Turtle, who tends to miss everything due to chronic tardiness -- adding gentle tension and humor. The stories lightly touch on worries such as being embarrassed or feeling left out, but all the characters are innately sympathetic and kind to one another, making for a comforting graphic novel for younger readers.

Gr 2-4 Fox and Rabbit are back with five more stories of adventure, friendship, and food. Whether they are navigating a corn maze or buying ice cream, they are inseparable. Other friends come and go, including flaky Sparrow, perpetually late Tortoise, and inanimate stuffed lion Fred. Though the animals express different preferences, they are sensitive to each other's feelingsafter a bubble gum incident results in Fox's fur getting trimmed embarrassingly short, Rabbit gives an effective pep talk. The arrival of an imaginative new friend, Owl, results in make-believe situations that see artist Dudás using colors and hatching that differ from the usual outdoor greenery. Fox and Rabbit are mindful about making their games inclusive for other animals. Although the book contains a couple of references to the previous work, such as the animals' lemonade stand, and a wink to the reader about words that start with the letter F, this is a fine entry point into a world of inviting games and alliterative wordplay. VERDICT Confectionary days of ice cream and playgrounds, coupled with cooperation and respectful communication, make this an easy recommendation for young readers. Thomas Maluck, Richland Lib., SC