The Friendship Surprise (Before We Sleep #2)

PreS-Gr 3—Friendship is a complicated concept, and kids may need support in knowing how to develop and establish this relationship. Volpe takes on this task in a charming book that teaches children that having more than one close friend is okay and maybe, their friends can become friends with each other, too. Little Red the fox is best friends with Hazel the dormouse. When Little Red befriends Brock the badger, he worries that it will ruin his friendship with Hazel. Little Red begins acting strangely as they try to navigate both friendships. The illustrations are pure delight, sharply colored, and full of nature. The language and word choice is easy for kids to understand, but sophisticated in portraying the complexities of friendships, new and old. VERDICT This sweet, colorful, engaging picture book uses charismatic animals to explore friendship, and it's ideal for SEL shelves.—Tracey Hodges

". . . readers will be charmed by the simple story and the deep bond of loyal companions. Stunning illustrations . . . are the highlight of this tale for very young children learning about friendship. Proietti's soft-hued pictures are charming, displaying texture and color and featuring sunny days filled with flowers, birds, and butterflies. Pictures of beautiful poppies, trees in spring bloom, and lush undergrowth are delightful to scrutinize. . . Visually enchanting." - Booklist

"A fox frets that an old friend and a new one will shut him out if he introduces them in this follow-up to Before We Sleep. . . sprays of lovely flowers and greenery give Proietti's misty, rolling woodland settings a sunlit, beguiling serenity. " - Kirkus Reviews

"Soft, blushing, winsome illustrations trace this story of an unconventional friendship between a dormouse and a cheerful fox-one that is challenged during the dormouse's hibernation, when the fox befriends a badger, too. Can the twosome survive the addition of a third, or will hearts break on the the fine spring morning when the dormouse awakes? Trepidatious, the fox delays finding out; the true answer awaits, past pages whose verdant features will captivate young eyes." - Foreword Reviews

"Friendship feelings show up when making room for one more. A tender inclusive book that acknowledges emotions while teaching honest conversations and community building. A triangle of connection brings these three furry pals together for the ultimate surprise." -The Wandering Bookseller