Cool Buds

November 1, 2024
A crisis at sea results in the introduction of a new neighbor. Puff the Atlantic puffin, Blue the blue Arctic fox, and Sealy the harbor seal are seaside neighbors, though Puff lives high up on a cliff. While peering through a pair of binoculars one day, Puff spots an Arctic hare named Tip who's in trouble at sea; the intrepid bird takes flight to guide Tip's ship to shore. Back on dry land but without a home (the volcano on the island where Tip used to live just erupted), Tip seeks shelter with each of the three friends, only to discover that the would-be roommates' houses are incompatible for different reasons. Blue eagerly suggests solutions, but Tip has an initially overlooked idea that leads to a proper resolution. Ultimately, the addition of Tip to the community is cause for celebration. Each of the four anthropomorphic animals has a distinct silhouette and an appropriately warm outfit that help them stand out right from the first page, which introduces the cast. Simple paneling and layouts make following along a breeze. The characters all have helpful, can-do attitudes, which leads to lots of cheer, though tears are briefly shed in a few scenes--grief at Tip's lost home, Blue's worry that Tip will have to live elsewhere. Readers, however, will be all smiles. An idyllic and cozy comic. (Facts about Arctic foxes)(Graphic early reader. 4-8)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 1, 2025

K-Gr 3-Things are changing in the arctic where a group of animals live: Blue the arctic fox, Puff the puffin, and Sealy the harbor seal. Puff starts the story by spotting a ship in trouble at sea and flies to rescue Tip, an arctic hare who is on board, while Blue makes provisions for a welcome party. As Puff carefully guides Tip to the shore, Tip explains how their island home became an erupting volcano, driving them out to sea for safety and leaving them with no home. The other animals offer to share their own homes, but each one is just too small and crowded. It is Tip who comes up with the solution, and the group works together to bring Tip's boat ashore to use as a home. Sealy is the first to notice that their little shore is now a small town, and the group of friends decide to name it Cozy Cove. This charming tale of friendship centers on being welcoming and flexible. Lovely cool shades pop with crisp black outlines. Bright white dialogue balloons are easy to read, and the panels move seamlessly from each problem to solution. The animals are genderless, allowing children to imagine them in any way they choose. VERDICT A welcome new graphic novel series for early readers who enjoy comic adventures without superheroes. Recommended for libraries serving this age group.-Elisabeth LeBris

Copyright 2025 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 16, 2025
Grades K-2 When a new friend comes ashore, a town is founded by the coolest buds in the Arctic in this early graphic novel from Caldecott Honor Book artist Lehman. Tip, an Arctic hare, has sailed off course and is rescued and welcomed by other Arctic animals that have made their home in a chilly seaside setting. When they struggle to find enough space in their homes, all of which are filled with their cozy comforts, they must brainstorm ways to make space for their new friend in their community, and when Tip comes up with a creative solution, everyone is delighted. Lehman's artwork uses thick outlining and a cool color palette, which nicely complements the equally cool setting. While the narrative is a bit stiff at points, it features endearing Arctic animals dressed in warm clothing that catch the reader's attention. With clearly written text in crisp, white speech balloons, this is a pleasant read for newly independent readers that emphasizes themes of community building and welcoming newcomers in need.

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