A small red fox joins playmates Goose and Polar Bear, introduced in A Splendid Friend, Indeed (2005)—setting up a “three’s a crowd” conflict that even the still-diapered set will quickly recognize. Initial shyness dissipating quickly, Fox repeatedly announces “I want to play a new game.” But Fox’s hopscotch squares are too small for Bear, checkers is a two-player game and the telescope is a one-at-a-time sort of toy. Off Bear stomps in a huff, leaving Goose to make a choice. As before, Bloom poses shaggy figures against a rich blue color field and artfully uses body language rather than text (which runs to fewer than 100 words) to crank up the emotional intensity. Fox’s sharp nose and bushy tail are particularly eloquent at expressing bossiness, lonely remorse after Bear and Goose depart and relief after Fox is invited back into the fold (“Bear is my big, old, sometimes grumpy friend,” says Goose. “You can be our new friend”) and curls up in Bear’s lap to share a book. Another splendid outing, indeed. (Picture book. 3-6)
