Stuck Together (Pea, Bee, & Jay #1)

A green pea, a bespectacled honeybee, and a blue jay become fast friends in this lively graphic novel early reader. “No rolling too far from our row,” warns Pea’s mother, but it’s not long before a dare sends Pea on a fast-paced adventure beyond the farm. Smith’s cinematic panels capture the action with suspense and style: storm clouds gather in the distance as Pea rolls under the fence and eventually to a stop, lost, beside Bee. Though Bee claims that birds are “the absolute worst,” the pair is soon joined by Jay, a flightless lone bluejay. Venturing forth, the trio works together to get past tough-talking acorns, raspberry-blowing raspberries, and a sly, yellow-eyed villain. Puns and jokes abound, making this series opener as silly as it is sincere about friendship’s value. Pea, Bee, and Jay may make for unlikely companions, but just like the sandwich, they form an unbeatable team. Publishing simultaneously: Wannabees (Pea, Bee, & Jay #2). Ages 6–10. (Sept.)