Blue Burt and Wiggles

The idea of an eternal summer may sound great in theory, but in reality it's a whole other story-one that takes center stage in this delightful tale about a little blue bird and his worm friend. Anderson (Little Quack) paints his characters with a light hand, both in narrative and illustration. The opening spread shows the two friends happily playing a Bird Brain board game-just one of many subtly placed chuckles for observant readers. Upon realizing their fun will come to an end when the change of seasons, the two bosom buddies set out to keep winter from coming. Blue Burt and Wiggles tap into their artistic sides as they fashion ever-blooming flowers from construction paper and string up a painted sun whose light will never fade. Their zealous work ethic energizes the proceedings. Once they witness how all the other animals are preparing the impending weather, they come to a realization: ""They couldn't fool the forest. Winter was coming."" Readers likely won't wonder whether or not the duo will be able to withstand the long distance. Paints and brushes aside, Anderson's story soundly conveys the glue that bonds together this unbreakable friendship. Ages 3-8.