Marvelous Margot

A feline’s generosity both propels and complicates her efforts to deliver a “marvelous” cake to her ursine bestie in this smoothly delivered fable-like story. Heading out, Margot pops the cake into a little red wagon, and “off she goes. Bump, bump, bump across the road,” Peacock writes. A pattern emerges en route as she repeatedly encounters acquaintances in need, then resolves their problems with a can-do attitude and a slice of cake. Bolded text highlights significant phrases while Margot cheers a lion about his haircut and fixes a fox duo’s tandem bicycle. By the time she knocks on her friend’s door, she’s surprised to find that only crumbs of the treat remain, but best bud Oscar reacts with appreciation for his pal’s good deeds. Arrhenius’s shape-based cartoons give readers plenty to observe as Margot’s actions play out across bustling town streets. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)