Barry's Best Buddy

K-Gr 2—When an excited Polarhog wakes Barry up from his peaceful slumber in his boring gray house, promising a surprise, Barry is not impressed. The two friends meander through the woods and past the hat shop, where Polarhog is determined to find the perfect hat for his bird buddy. Throughout the story, ants are seen carrying all kinds of objects that leave a trail for young readers to find Barry's surprise. This funny story has plenty of jokes to keep reluctant readers' interest. A few higher vocabulary words like "tragedy," "bliss," and "decorate" are sprinkled throughout and add to the richness of this excellent little comic book. The whimsical artwork adds subtle humor to the story. Barry's expression when he is wearing his hat is perfectly captured, and the tear in his eye when his surprise is finally revealed is poignant and sweet.—Alison Donnelly, Collinsville Memorial Public Library, IL