Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Brett returns to the world of Cozy for this tale about the woolly musk ox character finding love in the Arctic tundra. Despite his best head-bashing effort, Cozy is bested by another musk ox bull and fails to win the attention of "lovely Lofti," a musk ox cow with "a sparkle in her eye that set her apart." But before Cozy can feel too sorry for himself, Puffin corrals him for an urgent mission: to help their beluga friend Bella escape Teardrop Inlet before it completely freezes over as winter fast approaches. Cozy uses his head--literally--and some "simple science" to raise the water level so Bella can swim away, all while Lofti admiringly looks on. Embracing her signature style, Brett frames each watercolor and gouache image with a rustic border. Side panels of spot art on each page work to foreshadow plot elements and introduce details of the expansive Alaskan setting--accurately drawn puffins, seaweed, starfish, and, fittingly, heart-shaped stones. Ages 4--8. (Nov.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2--Filled with descriptive candor and Brett's riveting, distinctive illustrative style, the kindhearted musk ox bull Cozy returns in this exciting companion story that proves how strength of heart is beloved by all. Though disappointed he could not win the attention of Lofti, the lovely musk ox he admires, in a traditional horn boss-bashing contest, Cozy does not hesitate to act when Puffin brings news of the danger his friend Bella the beluga whale faces when her icy inlet begins to freeze over. Little does Cozy know that Lofti sees his quick-thinking and care for his friend, impressing readers with the value of acting out of compassion without the ambition for attention and inspiring discussion about good deeds. In richly detailed lifelike forms and textures, Brett's meticulous applications of gouache and watercolor render astonishing illustrations of the vast, blue-gray toned Alaskan landscape, inhabited by expressive story characters. Swooping puffins, cresting waves, and even Cozy's agitated fur all contribute a sense of urgency in the sequence of movement in the race against the relentless ice formation. Brett's trademark framing of the main illustrations, including side windows displaying alternate perspectives of those watching Bella's peril and Cozy's response, draws readers closer to the wild, nearly tangible elements of nature. VERDICT Awe-inspiring detail of the frigid Alaskan landscape and its creatures will enchant readers as they follow Cozy. This is essential for any collection and a gratifying read-aloud.--Rachel Mulligan
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A lovelorn musk ox uses his strength to save a friend. Cozy longs to win the heart of the enchanting Lofti, but as he and the rest of the bulls charge one another and bash heads in shows of strength, he is overshadowed by the others. Just as Cozy resigns himself to wallowing in snowy self-pity, he's called to rescue his friend Bella, a young beluga whose joyful splashing creates rainbows across Teardrop Inlet. If Bella stays too long in the inlet, the surface will freeze over, trapping her under with no air to breathe. Can Cozy use his head (literally and figuratively) to save Bella? Could his bighearted actions also win him the heart of his beloved Lofti? Realistically drawn animals are set against a snowy Alaskan background in this pedestrian and predictable sequel to Cozy (2020). Brett's signature decorative borders and teardrop-shaped vignettes frame each double-page spread. Heart-shaped rocks, colorful sea stars, and textured seaweed complete the tableaux. The brief third-person narration is linear and descriptive but feels flat in the absence of true character development. Character motivation is explained rather than shown. For instance, Cozy's devotion to Lofti might be more compelling if she were a three-dimensional character rather than a plot device. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Serviceable but disappointing in comparison to the author's timeless titles of years past. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
