Bob and Joss Take a Hike!

When the pals from Bob and Joss Get Lost! wander away from their campsite, Joss immediately forgets the map that Bob has just reminded him not to forget. Soon, they’re lost in a forest populated by friendly animals. Vogel’s gestural cartoons showcase Joss’s no-worries attitude and Bob’s quick-to-panic temperament: “We’re lost, lost, lost! We’ll never get back!” he laments, pounding a tree trunk in frustration. “Yes, but if we hadn’t gotten lost, we wouldn’t be here,” offers Joss as a bluebird perches on his finger. Plotwise, the story echoes the boys’ first adventure closely—readers will understand both that Bob and Joss haven’t wandered far at all and that although getting lost can be scary, freaking out isn’t the answer. Ages 3–7. Author’s agent: Kathleen Ortiz, New Leaf Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Teresa Kietlinski, Bookmark Literary. (Jan.)