cover image HECTOR AND THE NOISY NEIGHBOR

HECTOR AND THE NOISY NEIGHBOR

David Gavril, . . Dial, $12.99 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-8037-2808-0

In this amiable urban tale of compromise, a reserved brown rabbit grows annoyed when a bumptious pig moves into his building. Mild-mannered Hector is a creature of habit who loves reading ("Paul Bunnyan" and self-help books from "Harevard"-educated Dr. Carotene) and taking midday naps under a turnip-print bedspread. One day, a pig in a red flannel shirt knocks on Hector's ground-floor window: " 'Hello!' he yelled. 'I am Rutherford, your new neighbor.' And with a happy snort, he began unloading his car." Rutherford is extremely friendly and has no idea how much his trombone playing, furniture moving and vacuuming disturb his neighbor. When Hector leaves Rutherford some mud pies with a significant note ("Welcome to our quiet nook"), Rutherford just uses the note as a bib; he can't even eat silently. The passive-aggressive rabbit, hot for revenge, makes a drum set out of pots and pans ("You're a real ace with those sticks," says Rutherford). Gradually, the pig realizes that he gets on Hector's nerves, while Hector learns that cutting loose can be therapeutic. In this perspicacious debut, Gavril explores a common dilemma and what might be done about it; his time-share solution requires open communication and ongoing cooperation. Gavril's pleasingly unpolished, humorous watercolor cartoons evoke sympathy for the troubled, shy Hector and the grinning Rutherford, who make way in their solitary routines for friendship. The outcome, with the neighbors and their bearish landlord forming a laundry-room band, may not be true-to-life, but it underlines the message of tolerance. Ages 4-up. (Apr.)