The Rescues: Best Day Ever by Tommy and Charlie Greenwald, illustrated by Shiho Pate

 I loved the first book in this series, although it is taking a little while to take off with my patrons. This is no reflection on the book - it was only added to the library last December and kids in the early readers/transitional chapters section are definitely creatures of habit, reluctant to try new things. 

In their first collection of adventures, a three-legged dog and a one-eyed dog were rescued from a shelter. They were joined in their new home by a stray cat and the three are now close friends.

In this new collection, Cathy, their owner, takes them on an adventure... to the vet! Moose and Bear are scared and nervous, but Tiger bravely leads the way and they all make it through the exam, getting treats at the end. In chapter 2, after their busy morning, the three take a nap. But Tiger and Bear are fighting over the comfy orange chair! Glowing oranges, pinks, and yellows fill the pages as Moose figures out a solution, convincing both to share the chair. That evening, the three friends are playing with their toys when Cathy goes out for the evening. A scary storm comes up and the three speculate on what might be causing the strange noises and sounds. Fortunately, with the three working together, they make it through.

Glowing, swashy colors fill the pages of the three animals' simple, cozy adventures. The text is short but complex enough to offer a challenge to beginning readers.

Verdict: There are plenty of early readers and transitional chapters featuring animals, but the focus on rescuing, specifically animals that aren't perfect, and the gentle social-emotional tenor of the story makes this one that will appeal to a small but specific group of children. For readers who like gentle stories and animals.

ISBN: 9781636551173; Hardcover/Picture book on Baker & Taylor for $13.30

Published September 2024 by Red Comet Press; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library