Peach & Blue (Book, Turtleback Scho)

"...this old-fashioned tale of friendship radiates warmth and authenticity. One day Blue discovers Peach weeping up in a tree, longing to see the world beyond her branch. Forming a tower of toads, Blue and his siblings rescue her. As she drinks in the sights of the pond, Peach opens Blue's eyes to the beauty of the world that he takes for granted. In a bittersweet ending, Blue brings water and a willow branch dripping with tree milk to a peaked Peach, He tells her she can stay there forever, and Peach says she doesn't think she'll last forever. Blue replies, 'That's okay. Not many folks do. But until then, you have me, and I have you.' The generosity and mutual respect of these two characters serve as a wise reminder of what makes friendship prosper. Johnson and Fancher acknowledge the fantastic story line with lush, dreamy paints, while dodging the temptations of cuteness and condescension. In every respect, this is a standout title and particularly impressive as Kilborne's debut".