GO TO WIZARD'S WHARF

Two wombats realize that real friendship is more important than anything—even a can’t-miss theme park.

Albert owes Pickles a favor, which is the catalyst for the misadventure that follows. Pickles wants to go to Wizard’s Wharf. The magic-themed amusement park leaves Albert visibly unimpressed, while Pickles has a ball. The place is a money vacuum that Albert calls out for its fakery, but Pickles is convinced the magic is all real. They run into their friend Platters the platypus, who shows off a secret attraction that isn’t open to the public yet. The pair become separated. Two Beings of Unexplained Magic—little, monsterlike creatures with wings—join Albert on his search for Pickles, though he refuses to believe they’re real. Relying on his ability to predict his pal’s movements, Albert works to track Pickles down. Layouts are clear, with three to five panels per page, while a multipage roller-coaster sequence is a little more twisty. Readers may find themselves split between giggling at Pickles’ antics and questioning what the adorably harebrained wombat brings to the friendship. Straitlaced Albert asks nothing from Pickles except to clean up after making a mess. By the end, however, both wombats agree on the value of their friendship.

Readers don’t have to believe in magic to enjoy what this tale has to offer.