Review by Booklist Review
It's moving day for a little panda, her parents, and Torky, her pet turtle. Pete and Tiny, two big, brawny bear brothers, pack, stack, and load boxes onto their truck, while the panda watches in wonder. She sits with them at lunchtime, shares their food ("Yumscrum!"), and mimics their joyful moves as they pop Bubble Wrap by stomping on it. Afterwards, Pete and Tiny are loading the last boxes onto their truck when they hear the panda cry, "Torky! Wuryoo?" Everyone searches, but no one can find the turtle. Weary but kind, the movers unpack, search, and repack every box. As they drive away, Torky is found in a surprising place, to the little panda's delight. Ferry and Lichtenheld, who collaborated on Stick and Stone (2015) and Stick and Stone: Best Forever Friends (2021), have coauthored a new book that's full of wit and lovable dressed-animal characters. Booth's double-page digital illustrations feature lively line work and beautiful color combinations. Kids who study the pictures while the book is read aloud will particularly enjoy knowing Torky's probable location before the other characters realize that he's missing. Children can also help interpret the panda's baby talk. This engaging picture book is a pleasure to read and reread.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Brown bear brothers Pete and Tiny are top-notch movers: meticulous, caring, and seamless in their teamwork. Previous collaborators Ferry and Lichtenheld give them an inspiring motto--"Nothing was too small or too light to... treat just right"--and their own patter as they lift and pack: "Hupsie," "Hoovit," "Gotter?" "Gotter!" But in the middle of moving a family of pandas, the normally "smooth move" brothers are thrown for a loop. Having bonded with the smallest panda, they discover that her pet turtle, Torky, is missing... and possibly packed? True to their thorough nature, the brothers carefully open every carton from the van, an act of selfless dedication commemorated with an elaborate spread. The story resolves happily for all, including readers, who are treated to a satisfying tale with well-timed comedy and suspense. Ages 4--8. (Oct.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A little panda's most treasured possession is misplaced as movers pack up her family's belongings. The bear brothers Pete and Tiny--of Gentle Giant Movers--are tailor-made for their jobs. They're strong and organized, with a soft touch. Moving day at the Panda family's house seems to be going smoothly until the littlest panda realizes that her pet turtle is missing, just as the last box is stored tightly in the back of the moving truck. Remembering their mantra that "nothing andno one [is] too small or too slight to treat just right," the brawny bears unpack every last box and search every item. The story has a happy ending, which makes important points for little readers who may be feeling jittery about an upcoming move: Every single belonging will be carefully packed and retrieved, and every family member--even pets--will be accounted for. Pete and Tiny are an adorable pair, with wide grins, matching uniforms, and white-gloved paws. The illustrations capture details such as labels on boxes and the punny tagline on the brothers' truck, "The Bearers of Good Moves." Hazy pastel pinks and purple shadows masterfully mark the passage of time as the sun sets on a long day of packing. A reassuring message delivered in an endearing package.(Picture book. 4-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
