Billy and Rose: Forever Friends

Across four likable Frog and Toad–style stories, Hest celebrates the camaraderie of barnyard pals Billy and Rose. In the first chapter, Rose, a pale-colored pig who puts off doing laundry, and Billy, a gray sheep who dislikes practicing cello, motivate each other to complete their tasks. Next, a simple game of catch becomes the occasion for a spat and its resolution (“Billy and Rose throw and miss... and try, try, try”). Later, the pair come to each other’s rescue when their cold-weather ice cream stand fails to attract customers, and meet in the middle when a planned sleepover requires compromise. Genuine-sounding rapport articulates the kindness at the heart of any partnership, while MacDonald Denton’s pale watercolor and ink illustrations add a layer of liveliness via expressively wrought figures; together, the duo embodies the way a best bud can both challenge and inspire. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)