Hiro, Winter, and Marshmallows

A wintry bonfire establishes creaturely camaraderie between two unlikely friends in this warmhearted story. As most of the Ursidae family “wallow in honey-sweet dreams,” their forms sprawled across bunk beds, curious brown bear Hiro, desiring adventure, sneaks outside for a walk, bear stuffie and honey bear in tow. Lured by the scent of roasting marshmallows, Hiro feels excitement upon spotting a human party, but desolation descends when the celebrants hastily depart in fear (“Hiro sighs so deeply over the embers that the fire is rekindled”). Luckily, one youthful self-described “marshmallow expert” stays behind, and the pair discover much in common when sharing their perspectives (“What’s it like, being a bear?” queries Émile; “What’s it like, being an Émile?” Hiro responds). Thick, dark coloring gives Schneider’s mixed-media illustrations drama, especially in memorable wordless spreads of the parka-wearing partygoers escaping, while text frequently surprises with its original phrasing. The duo’s connection comes across as genuinely sweet in this work of thoughtful exploration. Human characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)