Forest

Kearney revisits ecological themes in this earnest follow-up to Fish. “Let our adventure begin!” declares white-bearded, pale-skinned fisherman Finn as he and dog Skip disembark their ship and venture toward an animal-populated shore. The rainforest landscape the two cycle toward is idyllic (“There is life wherever you look!” Finn shouts as the two sail over a waterfall)—until they stumble upon a barren clear-cut area. Offering to aid a young solo tapir and other animals displaced by deforestation, Finn travels forth only to discover the land aflame. Abruptly changing tone, the book takes on an instructional feel: two firefighters explain that trees are being cleared to make consumables, after which the land will be used for farming, but that everyone can help protect the rainforest in small ways (recycle, look for the FSC logo, support nonprofits). After successfully depositing his charges in a protected area, Finn heads home, enlightened. Kearney’s patterned forest graphics and earthy color palette give the book a contemporary vibe that suits its overt eco-message. Ages 3–5. (Feb.)