BUDGIE & BOO
by David McPhail & illustrated by David McPhail
Jewel-toned watercolors and three simple tales of friendship distinguish McPhail’s latest outing. The titular Budgie and Boo, a bear and bunny, respectively, are roommates, gardeners and best friends. The first story recounts their discovery of a leak above Boo’s bed in the morning. Number two depicts Boo’s attempts the fix the leak in the afternoon, despite Budgie’s “help.” And finally, in the evening the two friends go for a walk only to find themselves in a briefly scary situation. The evocative two-page spreads that introduce each section are lovely enough to be worth the price of admission alone. The simple text, however, is only serviceable and not particularly original. Yet while it doesn’t have the same kick as Laura Vaccaro Seeger’s Dog and Bear (2007) or James Howe and Marie-Louise Gay’s Houndsley and Catina series, McPhail’s die-hard fans will be certain to find something to enjoy here. Sweet fare. (Picture book. 4-8)