Hunting for Fur

Animal rights come to the fore in this sweet-natured parable about the negative impact of the fur industry. During a trek through the snow, pals Panda and Koala happen upon a wolf, shivering and naked (save for a blanket) before a campfire; his fur has been stolen by ""a bunch of thieves."" Panda and Koala promise to ""get the scoundrels"" and head for the big city. They set an ""old granny trap"" baited with a pearl necklace, and soon a fur-clad matron stops. Koala and Panda accost her and demand that she surrender her coat (""That fur is ours!""). Loaded with a cartful of reclaimed furs, the duo sets up shop in the woods, providing comfort to a stream of freezing, furless animals. The sensibility of this French author and artist will strike a chord with readers, no matter what their country. Dedieu's tale of an animal uprising pulses with kindness and justice, and not with the didactic message or violence readers might expect (though in one unfortunate scene Panda and Koala appear to be armed with rifles and pistols, they never use them). Dedieu's artwork, painted on pink-beige textured paper, features thick black outlines and loose, playful brush strokes. The two roly-poly protagonists radiate a childlike simplicity, and the images of pink animals, shorn of their fur, are not soon forgotten. All ages. (Sept.) FYI: A portion of the proceeds will be donated to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.