How to make friends

How do you make friends? Bear doesn't have friends other than her toys, but she would like some, specifically Lamb and Koala. But she's forgotten the most basic friendship rule: Be yourself. Instead, Bear creates a "How To Make Friend" list ("follow them everywhere," "dress to impress," "bake treats"). But Bear gets out of breath while jogging behind Koala and Lamb, and she scares them when she puts on "her best, most spectacular outfit." Finally, she bakes a cake. Who doesn't like cake? Unfortunately, Koala and Lamb eat only green things. Bear gives up and grabs toys and a sketchbook to go draw in the park. She's so wrapped up that she doesn't notice Koala and Lamb jogging past. They notice her, though, and join in for a drawing party. Soon, the three are friends. Note, too, that this trio successfully navigates the "dangers of three" and contentedly finds things that they like to do in pairs. "Lamb and Bear practice recorder. (Koala doesn't like the noise.)" "Lamb and Koala learn routines from their favorite musicals. Bear prefers opera." The author/illustrator is a textile artist who has created characters and physical objects from felt and fabric, set against simple backgrounds with cardboard cutout details--the result is a quirky, winsome tale that provides a solid example of how to make friends. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A friendship tale that stands out for its unusual visuals and modeling of a flexible, supportive threesome. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.