Edmond, the Thing

PreS-Gr 1—Is it a new species? Is it a variety of over-fluffed flamingo? In this follow-up to Edmond: The Moonlit Party (2015), a stranger—an electric pink "Thing"—appears suddenly on the other side of the river from Edmond the squirrel and George Owl's forest home. Edmond and George don't know what this smiling, skrawk-ing Thing is, but they determine that it is dangerous. In their efforts to be brave, Edmond makes signs warning others to stay away from the Thing, and George decides to disguise himself in order to get a better look at their unfamiliar visitor. As a result, George succeeds in unintentionally scaring most of his neighbors in his masquerade attempt, recognizing quickly that, "'It must not be easy being the Thing.'" Themes of kindness, acceptance, and friendship permeate the resolution of this charming story. Boutavant's colorful, detailed digital illustrations have a retro aesthetic that add a magical element and playfulness to this woodland narrative.