Stanley and his snake friend Hank return in this beautifully illustrated and eloquently told tale of discovery. Feeling a bit unfulfilled, Stanley drives to the city to find some “inspiration.” But Hank, still at home, wants some too. The fedora-topped snake, motivated by this newfound mission, gamely catches a cab to town. With the advice of a few urbanites, Hank searches for the elusive muse all over, from coffee at a café to music in the park. But at each stop, the serpent is stumped, until he learns that inspiration is a feeling, which can often be found anywhere. The eventual source of Hank’s inspiration is an absolute delight. Echoes of Stanley’s previous adventures appear throughout the text and illustrations. The stylized artwork evokes jazz with its interplay of different shapes and rhythms, and the warm palette is full of spontaneity. Frazier masterfully tackles the complicated concept of an individual’s need for inspiration in this deceptively simple story. Splendid. (Picture book. 4-8)
