ONE PIZZA, ONE PENNY

The folly of greed and the true value of friendship come into comical focus in this fetching fable, originally published in Chinese. Best pals Chris Croc and Ben Bear are culinary maestros: eating the crocodile's heavenly cake "was like swishing soft clouds in your mouth," while devouring the bear's divine pizzas "was like swallowing a warm, soothing sun." In Ferri's clever illustrations, the crocodile's home sits upon a cake, while the bear's rests on a field of cheezy pizza pie. The two generously share their baked goods with each other until a slick rat (a "legendary media tycoon") rolls up in his stretch limo, requests a slice of cake, then gives Chris Croc a gold coin after sampling his confection. Suddenly the friends become aware of the potential value of their wares. Neither will relinquish any food to the other without payment—until the crocodile produces the rat's gold coin and pays for a slice of pizza. Ferri's artwork, saturated in golden butter hues, remains as spare as Hao's text, emphasizing the story's parable-like qualities. The exception is a climactic closing spread showing the chain reaction of the friends' mutual appreciation: an array of animals set up their own gourmet stands. This wily, winsome tale serves up plenty of satisfying fare. Ages 4-7. (Oct.)