A pie that plops, a mood that drops, and a friendship that never stops are the main ingredients of John's latest zany adventure. In this follow-up to 2021's Something's Wrong, friends Hare and Bear decide to have a picnic. Hare makes a pie and then takes a walk in the woods as it cools on the windowsill. A heavy rain ensues, and the pie becomes a sodden mess. Hare tries to rescue the picnic with what he can find in the pantry: a can of baked beans, a sprouting potato, a shoelace, a pencil, some yarn, a salt shaker. Ebullient, garrulous Bear shows up, but the thoroughly miserable Hare takes off, refusing to talk. Bear persists, finally getting Hare to open up and, in a hilarious four-page sequence juxtaposing Bear's and Hare's reactions, reveal his sad picnic items. The illustrations, done with woodcut and linocut prints plus colored pencils, create a wonderfully textured, vivid world. A great resolution involves a picnic, many forest animals, and a resounding message about the power of always being there for your friends.

Will a pie ruin Anders' friendship with Jeff?Anders, a hare, plans to surprise his friend Jeff, a bear, with a homemade pie for their picnic. He sets it on the windowsill and goes for a walk, but when it rains unexpectedly, he's upset to find the pie soaked-and even more out of sorts when he slips and ends up covered in pie. An oblivious Jeff shows up but doesn't notice anything amiss. When the two head off for their picnic lunch, Anders is still quietly grumpy about the pie but repeatedly states that nothing is wrong. In a slightly didactic move-though one that will offer guidance to little ones dealing with their own friendship ups and downs-Jeff turns to readers and opens up about his worries about his pal. Jeff tries to make Anders feel better; finally, Anders shares his pie story. After thanking Anders for baking the pie, Jeff suggests that they make another one together. After all, what's most important is that friends spend time together. Their pie smells delicious enough to attract a forest full of creatures eager to share the pie…and more friendship. Woodcut and linocut artwork stands out for its dynamic textures, crisp edges, and blocks of color that evoke spring. (This book was reviewed digitally.)Imparts a gentle, satisfying message about the importance of a good friend. (Picture book. 3-7)

K-Gr 2— This book gives new meaning to, "I'm fine, it's fine, everything's fine!" in a most delicious way. Anders has spent the morning baking a yummy pie for his friend Jeff to share during their upcoming picnic. Unfortunately, things do not turn out well when a rainstorm ruins the pie cooling on the windowsill. Rather than share the bad news with Jeff, Anders acts as if everything is fine. He hides his disappointment, but not very well. Meanwhile, Jeff can't quite figure out what is wrong with Anders. Readers will be laughing out loud while learning the dynamics of friendship from two very different perspectives. Kraan's illustrations add so much to the text. The charming characters will have readers rooting for all involved, especially when all the woodland creatures join in the fun. This book is a wonderful exploration of the complexities of friendship and the importance of understanding unspoken cues, which children don't always grasp, but are keen to know more about. VERDICT A gentle reminder for all ages that life's ups and downs can be shared, this book is a welcome addition to any elementary library.— Darla Kaminsky