FRIENDS TO THE RESCUE

A group of forest friends share and work together.

Badger has settled down with a book when Mouse recruits him to help hang a clothesline with a bit of rope she’s found. This sets off a chain of events in which one by one he and his friends come across a variety of interesting items and work to make good use of them. After stringing the clothesline, Badger finds a large basket that would be perfect for a house for Hedgehog, who has his own plans for a hammock made out of some red-and-yellow–striped cloth he’s found—but Rabbit wants it for a tent. When Rabbit and Hedgehog squabble, Badger offers a fair solution to divide the fabric. But Bird has discovered something more pressing: Mole is stuck in a tree and in much need of help after crashing his hot air balloon. After some discussion on a course of action, Mole is rescued, and amicable aid takes precedence over individual use. Through Badger’s leadership, the animals reassemble the hot air balloon out of its pieces. Gouache paintings of adorable anthropomorphic animals in verdant spring scenes complement this British import’s dialogue-driven narrative.

Though slight as a story, the implied message of good neighborly friendship will appeal to many.