Willy and Hugh

The well-intentioned ape who starred in Willy the Wimp and Willy the Champ is back, spiffily attired in his sweater vest and polka-dot tie. Feeling lonely and friendless, Willy takes a walk in the park, where he--literally--runs into a much bigger ape, fittingly named Hugh Jape. Following their mutual apologies, the two become best pals. They visit the zoo (where they view humans in cages) and the library; Hugh frightens away a bully who threatens Willy, and Willy saves Hugh from a spider that terrifies the larger ape. Browne deftly adds a subtle sophistication to his affable tale of a friendship between two dissimilar individuals. His artwork's vibrant hues and ample white space make a striking combination, while Willy's realistically rendered face is as expressive as ever, and his smile as winning. Ages 4-8. (Aug.)