Aalfred and Aalbert

Opposites attract in Hood’s sweet and silly story of stumbling into companionship. Though Aardvarks Aalfred and Aalbert are similar-looking—Aalfred is rendered in friendly pink, and Aalbert, a delicate peach—the two have little in common. Aalfred sleeps during the day and enjoys “stars, broccoli, and picnics”; Aalbert sleeps at night and loves “flowers, sunshine, and cheese.” They are burrow neighbors and each sometimes think of becoming “part of a pair,” but due to schedule differences, they never meet. A small blue bird decides to play matchmaker, with humorously frustrating results, shown in Hood’s charming, bright gouache and digital art (a giant alarm clock fails to rouse one, and a trail of delectable broccoli remains unfollowed by the other). Just when the poor bird gives up, a sweet gesture by Aalfred leads to an accidental meeting between the two aardvarks, and a “happily ever aafter” ending—replete with broccoli-dipped cheese—ensues. An effective, gentle reminder that love is love. Ages 4–up. (Sept.)