Who's Next Door?

K-Gr 2—This unassuming story highlights the importance of companionship and being neighborly. Chicken lives quite contentedly deep in the woods in a house with a red roof. Next door, there stands an empty house with a blue roof. One morning, Chicken is delighted to discover that someone has apparently moved into the other house. For several days, he anticipates meeting his new neighbor, but they never cross paths. Finally, he leaves a written invitation on his new neighbor's door. That night while Chicken is sleeping, the mysterious neighbor reveals himself. Owl eagerly writes back to Chicken, and both birds look forward to the upcoming visit, not realizing that they have completely opposite schedules. By chance, as night approaches, each bird steps outside to check on the other and they finally come face to face. The resourceful friends install a chalkboard between the two houses so they can "talk to each other all the time." Reminiscent of Japanese woodblock prints, the illustrations have a childlike simplicity. Quirky details like the matching clotheslines, spotted curtains, and shared chalkboard mirror the warm and hospitable tone of the story. Children who may be moving to a new home will respond to the underlying moral that neighbors of all sorts can become fast friends. Pair this title with Anika Denise's Bella and Stella Come Home (Philomel, 2010).—Linda L. Walkins, Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Boston, MA