HOG IN THE FOG

Where is Harry the Hog? A goofy crew of animal friends sets out to find him.

Lil, a small and multitalented mouse, has invited her dear friend Harry the Hog for a sumptuous tea. Her preparations are complete with specialties that will fill Harry with joy, though they might elicit gleeful “ew, gross” responses from young readers. After all, only a warthog would enjoy “chocolate-chip beetles and slug-flavoured chips” and other equally appalling dishes. When Harry doesn’t appear at the appointed hour, Lil sets out to find him. She meets a sheep, a deer, and a crow, each of whom has seen parts of something that, upon further thought, could have been Harry. They all push on through the deep fog until, at last, they come upon Harry, who has fallen “snout-over-trotters” into a bog. They work together to rescue him, and there’s still time for tea. Copus tells the tale in easy, breezy aabb rhyme that bounces rhythmically along, with each character’s movements given a distinct, appropriate sound in perfect sync with the cadence. Seo’s bright, inventive illustrations complement the action beautifully, convey Lil’s every emotion, and are filled with unexpected and delightful details. Lil may appear dainty, but she is intrepid and in control—very much a leader. Little readers will want to enjoy it again and again, and they’ll be happy to know that companion title The Hog, the Shrew and the Hullabaloo publishes simultaneously.

Hooray for Lil and Harry.