Rabbit and Robot and Ribbit

In the second title from the series, a new friend is introduced, Ribbit, a frog, and this does not sit well with Rabbit. He shows up unexpectedly to surprise Robot and finds a frog playing checkers with his friend. Rabbit is invited to stay to watch Cowboy Jack Rabbit, his favorite show. But when Robot adds flies to the popcorn, Rabbit cannot take it anymore, despite Ribbit's cordial gestures. Robot is so overwrought by the bickering between his two guests, he malfunctions. This forces Rabbit and Ribbit to work together to fix their mutual friend, and you guessed it, they figure out they can be friends, too. Easy text will draw in emerging readers as well as those ready for a simple chapter book much like Arnold Lobel's "Frog and Toad" series. The digital illustrations are expressive and joyful and will keep readers engaged in the plot. VERDICT A fun and pleasing friendship story for young readers learning that three doesn't have to be a crowd.—Martha Rico, El Paso ISD, TX