(3) 1-3 Translated by Cathy Hirano. Illustrated by Jun Takabatake. In this friendship story from Japan, Professor Whale exchanges letters with young Wally, the grandson of a beloved fellow whale. Reminiscing about the good old days prompts the professor to resurrect the Whale Point Olympics, inviting far-flung friends (including Penguin and Giraffe from Yours Sincerely, Giraffe) to return for the fun and games. Humorous black-and-white line drawings add humor and warmth.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(3) 1-3 Translated by Cathy Hirano. Illustrated by Jun Takabatake. In this Japanese import, bored Giraffe sees an ad from a pelican advertising his mail-delivery service; he eagerly writes a letter for delivery to the first animal past the horizon. So begins the letters, speculations, and bloopers of Giraffe and Penguin's friendship. Takabatake's simple line drawings add humor and depth to a wonderfully fresh take on how we make friends and correct mistaken impressions.

Reviewer: Ed Spicer

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jun Takabatake. Someone has moved into the house next door to lonely Chicken, but who? Unbeknownst to him, it's Owl, who doesn't catch sight of his next-door neighbor because Chicken has a completely different schedule. This charming tale of misunderstanding has an element of mystery, a quiet message about respecting differences, a pleasing resolution, and clean-lined art in rich colors.

Reviewer: Nell Beram