Virgil & Owen

PreS-Gr 2—Virgil is a penguin with control issues. He decides a polar bear will become his personal property and expresses his alarmed displeasure when the bear ventures out on his own and plays in the ocean with terns, slides with seals, and dances on the ice with penguins. Each time the polar bear expresses his independent nature, Virgil becomes increasingly possessive, through pointed commands. Fed up with the bear's willful streak, Virgil decides to put a stop to all the funny business. "'Stop it,' said Virgil, 'You are my polar bear! Come with me!'" Owen calmly addresses the penguin's bullying behavior with a retort of his own. "'No,' said the polar bear, 'and my name is Owen.'" When Virgil finally realizes that his demanding tactics don't work, he decides it is more fun to make friends. The spreads are saturated in shades of blue, and the animated facial expressions add emotional depth. Wavy lines emphasize the action between the characters. Powerful pacing shines with each page turn as the pair develops a healthier connection. Though it initially appears otherwise, the relationship between Virgil and Owen may just be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC