Surprise!

Bear, Raccoon, and Squirrel, “friends for a really long time,” decide to enlarge their circle of acquaintances. But empathy clearly isn’t their strong suit, and when other animals reject their overtures (a turtle refuses to come out when Raccoon prods it with a stick—imagine that), they turn their sights on a family that arrives in the woods to camp. Determined to do “something splendid” to woo their potential new pals, the animals plan a party while the humans are away. Raccoon, charged with catering, eats or piles much of the food; Squirrel, the appointed entertainer, unsuccessfully juggles raw eggs; and Bear decorates the tent with ketchup and mustard before making a toothy entrance, pinecone party hats in tow, that sends the surprised family fleeing. The woodsy setting and unaware characters in Hadilaksono’s picture book debut, rendered in digitally finished watercolor and gouache, offer all the fun of a classic farce. And readers needn’t worry about feeling sorry for this socially inept trio—the final scene suggests that they’ll be just “splendid” on their own. Ages 4–8. Agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. [em](Sept.) [/em]