The Party and Other Stories (Fox & Chick #1)

A fun, simple, yet sophisticated collection about a friendship between two very different characters.

This charmer blends graphic-novel and early-reader conventions for young readers not quite ready to tackle chapter books.

Three stories well suited to both reading newcomers and not-yet-reading listeners.

Ruzzier (This Is Not a Picture Book!) kicks off a new comics-style early-chapter series, drawn with panels and dialogue balloons and starring an animal odd couple. Fox is an even-tempered reader, cook, and artist; Chick is a pain in the neck. In the first and funniest chapter, Chick asks Fox if he may use his bathroom, and then proceeds to throw a party in it (the "CRASH! THUD! SPLASH!" tips off Fox). Chapter two gets a little dark as Chick, who initially criticizes the vegetarian Fox for not being "a real fox," suddenly realizes that his soup-making friend is actually doing him a favor by not eating him. Chapter three centers on Chick's inability to sit still for a portrait. The root of their friendship remains an enigma—why does Fox tolerate such an annoying friend? But there's an easygoing, reassuring rhythm to the storytelling, and the simple text and sunny colors should engage nascent readers. Ages 5-8. Agent: Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. (Apr.)

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2—This easy reader—style picture book is actually three stories in one and stars two lovable and very different best friends. In "The Party," Fox is trying to read while Chick repeatedly interrupts him and requests to use his bathroom, where he proceeds to throw a raucous shindig with some other party animals. In "Good Soup," Fox digs in his garden accompanied by an indignant Chick who reminds Fox at each turn that he is supposed to be a carnivore, not a veggie-lover. In a fun twist, Chick eventually remembers that foxes are also "supposed" to eat little birds, and is glad that his friend breaks the norm. Finally in "Sit Still," Fox is painting a landscape when Chick buzzes by and offers to sit for a portrait. Chick has a long list of needs that prevent him from being able to pose, so Fox happily paints the landscape after all. In each story, Chick is the comic relief to Fox's straight man. Chick takes everything literally, while Fox plays the role of grumpy, but secretly genial, next-door neighbor. Pleasant and cartoonish pastel panels add to this enjoyable read. In the tradition of Frog and Toad and Elephant and Piggie, Fox and Chick will feel right at home in company of these other friendship tales. VERDICT Simple vocabulary, dialogue-only text, and situational comedy make this a winning choice as a confidence booster for children just learning to read. Recommended for picture book collections.—Lauren Younger, formerly at NYPL

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

A subtle lesson, couched in humor: We can be friends with people who aren't just like us. —The New York Times

A worthy heir to the classic Frog And Toad or Elephant Piggie early readers, these playful vignettes have a subversive sense of humor that never becomes mean-spirited.—NPR

Emergent readers (and lap-sit listeners) will gleefully appreciate the bonhomie of this frenemy tale. —The San Francisco Chronicle

There's an easygoing, reassuring rhythm to the storytelling, and the simple text and sunny colors should engage nascent readers. —Publishers Weekly

Brilliant. Sure to be a favorite for reading aloud or as an easy reader. —Imagination Soup

Calm Fox and irrepressible Chick make a delightfully funny duo, and Ruzzier captures that perfectly in text and expressive, relatable illustrations. With vast appeal, this series debut will delight younger kids. —Books to Borrow, Books to Buy