Review by Booklist Review
When a new friend comes ashore, a town is founded by the coolest buds in the Arctic in this early graphic novel from Caldecott Honor Book artist Lehman. Tip, an Arctic hare, has sailed off course and is rescued and welcomed by other Arctic animals that have made their home in a chilly seaside setting. When they struggle to find enough space in their homes, all of which are filled with their cozy comforts, they must brainstorm ways to make space for their new friend in their community, and when Tip comes up with a creative solution, everyone is delighted. Lehman's artwork uses thick outlining and a cool color palette, which nicely complements the equally cool setting. While the narrative is a bit stiff at points, it features endearing Arctic animals dressed in warm clothing that catch the reader's attention. With clearly written text in crisp, white speech balloons, this is a pleasant read for newly independent readers that emphasizes themes of community building and welcoming newcomers in need.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A crisis at sea results in the introduction of a new neighbor. Puff the Atlantic puffin, Blue the blue Arctic fox, and Sealy the harbor seal are seaside neighbors, though Puff lives high up on a cliff. While peering through a pair of binoculars one day, Puff spots an Arctic hare named Tip who's in trouble at sea; the intrepid bird takes flight to guide Tip's ship to shore. Back on dry land but without a home (the volcano on the island where Tip used to live just erupted), Tip seeks shelter with each of the three friends, only to discover that the would-be roommates' houses are incompatible for different reasons. Blue eagerly suggests solutions, but Tip has an initially overlooked idea that leads to a proper resolution. Ultimately, the addition of Tip to the community is cause for celebration. Each of the four anthropomorphic animals has a distinct silhouette and an appropriately warm outfit that help them stand out right from the first page, which introduces the cast. Simple paneling and layouts make following along a breeze. The characters all have helpful, can-do attitudes, which leads to lots of cheer, though tears are briefly shed in a few scenes--grief at Tip's lost home, Blue's worry that Tip will have to live elsewhere. Readers, however, will be all smiles. An idyllic and cozy comic. (Facts about Arctic foxes)(Graphic early reader. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
