Owly & Wormy, Friends All Aflutter!
Wormy and Owly, the stars of Runton's Owly comics, here make the leap into their first picture book. Wormy is taken with a flock of passing butterflies, so the two ask a raccoon florist what kind of flower they should plant to attract some. When the recommended flower becomes home to two little green caterpillars, they're a bit put off but soon take a shine to the critters. But then the caterpillars disappear before they have a chance to say good-bye. As in the Owly comics, symbols and small pictures take the place of words in the dialogue balloons (e.g., when the raccoon wishes the duo good luck by saying a four-leafed clover). The story's midsection is perhaps a little too drawn out for a compact picture-book read, and kids hip to where butterflies come from will easily predict the final twist. On the other hand, the opportunity to decode the dialogue visuals will keep viewers engaged throughout this gently challenging offering. The big cartoon illustrations? A blast! Preschool-Grade 1. --Ian Chipman