In this companion to Same, Same but Different (2011), two pen pals delight in their differences and commonalities.Tulsi, a light-skinned child in New Mexico, and Vanessa, a Black-presenting child in Tanzania, begin writing to each other as part of a library pen pal program. Tulsi lives in the mountains; Vanessa lives by the sea. Vanessa takes a long city bus ride to school; Tulsi is homeschooled. Tulsi rarely sees rain, but when it does, the child rushes outside to dance; Vanessa prefers to cuddle up with a book during the rainy season. Their differences are fascinating and innumerable, but each one also brings them closer together. The woods near Tulsi's house may smell like butterscotch, while Vanessa's city is awash in the scent of frangipani, but both pen pals love their homes' perfumes-"like you, like me!" Vanessa daydreams of racing like a cheetah, while Tulsi wishes to soar like a red-tailed hawk, but both agree that riding a bike is the next best thing. Every shared detail shrinks the distance between northern New Mexico and the Tanzanian coast until the pair are all but face to face in their mutual understanding. The gently paced text moves smoothly from one letter to the next. Bright, mixed-media illustrations visually align the children's busy lives with balanced, reflective spreads that defy the barrier of the gutter and emphasize difference as a means of connection.Charming. (Picture book. 3-7)

PreS-Gr 3— Two girls, one living in the mountains of Northern New Mexico, the other living in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, connect via a library pen pal program. Differences are highlighted, but commonalities are easily found when people from different places and cultures engage their curiosity and listen closely. In one exchange, Tulsi shares that she has two homes in New Mexico, one made of mud and also "a tiny house on wheels for adventures," and then Vanessa shares that she has two homes also: "One with my mom and one with my dad." Illustrations made with painted papers and sticks capture the very specific and contrasting settings, but in the end, the girls find that they can see one another clearly and recognize the power of friendship. VERDICT Offering readers a chance to share what makes their homes and lives unique, this story also encourages young people to focus on the similarities that connect us in one human family. Highly recommended for all collections.— John Scott