WALLY MAMMOTH

In this game of hide-and-seek, everyone has their own advantage.

Wally the mammoth and Wolf are ready to play! Unfortunately, brown-furred Wally, wearing a magenta sweater with bits of fuzz poking out in all directions, sticks out against the ice and snow like, well, a mammoth in a magenta sweater. Not only is Wolf a good seeker, but the arctic environment renders the canine practically invisible. Wally begins to lose heart in the face of seemingly impossible odds, then declares, “But I am a MAMMOTH! And a MAMMOTH never gives up!” Wolf is equally determined, which makes for a show of friendly rivalry and good sportsmanship. Some clever negotiations and observations over cookies and cocoa finish the game just in time for the pals to take in the aurora borealis. A third friend, Otto the bird, happens upon the contest while blending in with the rest of the flock. Wally and Wolf’s world, rendered by Webb in digital watercolor and pencil, is full of endearingly rough edges and cute details. Wally’s tiny tusks, the coils of light glowing around the sun to stretch out shadows, and the little snowman that Wolf builds while hiding are a few examples of the personality embedded in the artwork, sure to hold readers’ attention.

Cheery snowy day fun capped with warm treats—what could be better?