Published by Henry Holt and Co.
Summary: Olive (a girl) and Hoot (a stuffed owl) are best friends who both like adventures. Olive likes those found in books, while Hoot prefers “something a little different.” One day he takes Olive out for a day of adventures that includes a balloon ride (with many helium balloons) and a boat trip down a rapidly-moving river. When Olive gets scared, Hoot assures her he is brave enough for both of them. The tables are turned, though, when Hoot gets a hole and begins to lose his stuffing. Then Olive must find the courage to help him and get them both home safely. The title suggests there may be more Hoot and Olive stories to come. 40 pages; ages 4-8.
Pros: Jonathan Voss illustrated the book Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh, and this book brings to mind the loving friendship between Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh. The watercolor illustrations showing the variety of landscapes the two friends travel through are beautiful.
Cons: I thought Hoot could have been cuter, but then, I’m not a big owl fan.
