At the Fair (Pocket Peaches #2)

Gr 1-3--This second title in the series continues highlighting themes of navigating friendships and being true to oneself. Peaches and her three friends are excited to share the Moonberry Jubilee Fair with their newest friend, Taro. Pogi sets the tone by saying they will need to be "spon-tay-nee-us!" When Mango's careful plans to enter the baking contest go awry, dashing her hopes to meet food influencer Bonnie Tart, she is crestfallen. Her friends convince her to attend the fair and try new rides and foods. They all discover that they can be flexible and "go with the flow" when supporting one another, and Mango eventually ends up meeting Bonnie, who wants to include Mango's Calico Cafe in her video tour. In the epilogue, Mango, inspired by treats at the fair, creates a new pastry: the Moonberry swirl. With a nod to her grandfather, she admits that change can be good. Gentle pastel colors complement the story's mood. Good use of panel sizes advance the dense plot with just the right amount of dialogue. These gentle animal characters convey important emotions and reactions in a realistic way, making them relatable to young readers. There is nothing heavy-handed here and the messages are clearly understandable. VERDICT A good choice for graphic novel fans who do not want superhero or sports books. Hand this to fans of series like "Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa" by Erica Silverman and Betsy Lewin or "Henry and Mudge" by Cynthia Rylant and Suçie Stevenson, who are ready for longer, more complex stories.--Elisabeth LeBris

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.