EXACTLY AS PLANNED

The gifts two animal friends intend to exchange over tea aren’t the ones they end up with in this double tale.

Twin storylines, which start at opposite ends of the volume and meet in the middle, twine into a sweet resolution. Moose doesn’t notice (though viewers will) that the red scarf he knitted for Fox has caught on a twig and unraveled behind him; nor does he realize that the sympathetic forest creatures who offer apples, flowers, and a basket in consolation are using wads and lengths of red yarn for bedding or other purposes. Meanwhile, after a crow flies off with the basket of brownies she’d baked for the planned visit, a distraught Fox comes upon a long strand of yarn (guess what color) in the woods. She cuts off bits of yarn for various creatures to use in exchange for a button, a feather, and some blue dye for the skein; she then winds the pieces up for her friend. When the two finally meet, they find they have just the ingredients for a new blue cap for Fox and a fresh apple pie…not to mention a long, chatty visit over tea. Nyeu’s illustrations—pale-toned, delicately drawn scenes on creamy backgrounds featuring spreading trees lavishly appointed with domestic furnishings and homely decorations—are a delight, full of clever details for sharp-eyed observers to pick out.

Positively shines with a cozy, rosy glow.