Zoomi and Zoe and the Tricky Turnaround (Zoomi and Zoe #1)

Young Zoe is heartbroken when her best friend moves away. Then her beloved stuffed rhino, Zoomi, vanishes. Unbeknownst to her, these separations herald a Tricky Turnaround, a magical event during which Zoe can cross to the realm of GlumbleGlibble and befriend the real Zoomi. But everything goes wrong upon the duo’s long-awaited meeting: Zoe, who is white, loves lists and plans, and she’s frightened by pushy Zoomi’s impulsivity. Zoomi is similarly disappointed in Zoe’s reaction to GlumbleGlibble’s welcome party, which Zoomi and company furnished with things they were certain a human would love, like a shoe-shaped cake and a mountain of toothpaste. She wonders why Zoe isn’t excited to hold hands and traverse down the gigantic rainbow mud slide, an activity meant to distinguish them as official BFFs. Can the human girl and mystical being work past their expectations to become true friends? In this earnest early reader chapter book series opener, Haydu (A Place for Feelings) sweetly addresses the importance of communication and compromise in fostering positive relationships. Brightly colored illustrations packed with whimsical details by Appert (What If You Wish?) amplify Zoe and Zoomi’s tender emotional journey. Ages 4–8. (June)