Never Take Your Rhino on a Plane

The highs of unruly behavior meet the lows of air travel in this tale starring a rambunctious but undeniably adorable blue rhino and a harried kid, portrayed with brown skin, who ignores the book’s titular admonition. Working in cut paper colored with oil pastels and acrylics, Roxas (the Adventures of Team Pom series) creates zippy dimensional images that show how the rhino, depicted with a toothy smile and unstoppable energy, transforms each step of the journey into a misadventure. In crisply scanning rhymes that distinguish this authorial children’s book debut, Lewis cites the rhino’s overpacking (“anthills, horn grease, a trapeze”), grooming his toes at an airport restaurant, and treating airplane seats like playground equipment. And yet, once the duo arrives at their destination, the friendship suggests its worth: the rhino proves the perfect companion during a particularly nerve-wracking roller-coaster ride and while sharing an ice cream treat. It’s a new perspective on travel mishaps for readers of any age: rhino-level chaos or no, sweet moments can make for a memorable time. Background characters are represented with various skin tones. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Lori Steel, Raven Quill Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Elena Giovinazzo, Pippin Properties. (June)