Crunch the guinea pig loves snacks. It's how he got his name, after all, but he comes to find that delicious leaves and carrots aren't very good company. One day, a mouse named Cheddar asks Crunch to share some of his food in exchange for a hug, and the guinea pig loses it. Crunch shouts a firm negative at Cheddar, who dejectedly makes his exit. But then, Crunch starts thinking about the mouse (imagining him hungry and in danger) and despair strikes: "Oh no! I kept my food, but I lost a friend!" Resolved, he leaves his cage for the first time to find Cheddar. Rabei's illustrations carry a sweet, rustic charm appropriate for this gentle story. Full-page and spot illustrations show Crunch feasting on various foods and searching for Cheddar in flowers and even a water dish. Crunch learns quite a lot on his first trip out of the cage, but, most important, he comes to understand that hugs and friendship are excellent treats in their own right.

PreS-Gr 1 Crunch is a guinea pig who loves to eat. When a little mouse named Cheddar asks Crunch to share his breakfast, the guinea pig becomes indignant. Cheddar offers a hug in exchange, but Crunch would rather keep his food. As he eats his breakfast the next day, he thinks about Cheddar, grows concerned, and realizes that he's kept his food but lost a friend. He ventures out and can't find Cheddar but returns home and finds the mouse there. The two become friends and share hugs and food. The illustrations are expressive and perfectly portray Crunch's wide range of emotions through the story, making the moral a bit easier to swallow. This is a rodent-size look at what's really important in life: sharing with those in need and making friends. VERDICT A good addition to most libraries. Emily E. Lazio, The Smithtown Special Library District, NY