Bob the bear warns readers on the very first page: He’s “very boring.” No doubt about it. His favorite activity is sitting. If he’s feeling adventurous he might sit in an empty parking lot, but still, it doesn’t get much better than sitting. Bob’s panda friend Jack, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. He does wild stuff. Crazy stuff. Zany stuff. How could Bob and Jack ever be friends? Alsenas expertly shifts between high- and low-energy illustrations, adapting his style to each bear’s personality, but he shines at portraying the quiet, contemplative nature of Bob. Flat, muted colors and expansive white backgrounds instantly slow the pace. Even the drooping plants mirror Bob’s ho-hum attitude. The genius of this work is not simply in the contrasts, but that, in slowing kids down, Bob’s visual narrative will make them see the beauty of such simple acts as looking at the moon. Stories of unlikely friendships may be a dime a dozen, but this duo is endearing. A simple lesson of celebrated differences. (Picture book. 3-6)
