FRANNY’S FRIENDS
by Catarina Kruusval & illustrated by Catarina Kruusval & translated by Joan Sandin
A little girl leads her friends on an outing but follows them home. Croakie Crow, Barry Bear, Honey Bunny, Ginger Giraffe, Dashie Doggy, Heddy Hedgehog and Itty Bitty Kitty are Franny’s seven friends. One day Franny announces they’re going on an outing and everyone follows her down the path with Itty Bitty Kitty at the end. After a break for juice and buns, Franny leads them on an expedition up and down a hill with Itty Bitty Kitty and Heddy valiantly trying to keep up. When Itty Bitty Kitty and Heddy stumble and roll into a hole, Franny and the others don’t even notice. But as Franny decides it’s time to go home, she discovers her two friends are missing. A frantic search ends with Itty Bitty Kitty and Heddy rescued and Franny realizing that sometimes a good leader needs to follow. Charming line-and-watercolor illustrations feature the very cute friends and their fearless leader on an innocent outing slightly reminiscent of Christopher Robin and his own bevy of stuffed pals. The simple plot provides a lighthearted lesson in the responsibilities of friendship. (Picture book. 3-6)