CLYDEO MAKES A FRIEND

Actor Aniston’s canine chef realizes that the kitchen is the perfect place for friendship to flourish.

Clydeo is excited to see that the new (feline) family next door includes a youngster his own age. But how can he make friends with the newcomer? Dad suggests that they play together. Clydeo imagines playing a game of baseball—but in his fantasy, the ball breaks a window. How about digging holes? No, that would lead to getting dirty…and, worse, bathtime. Mom says that “the recipe for friendship” is sharing a favorite activity. Fortunately, both Clydeo and the new kid, Max, love to cook, and though they make a big mess, they have a great time. The kids use the oven solo (Clydeo’s parents are close by in the next room) and pull out some fragrant muffins in a suddenly cleaned-up kitchen. They make more, enough for the whole neighborhood, promise to do it again soon, and then play ball, too. There’s a lack of tension here; nothing impedes or complicates the swift achievement of friendship. The obstacles that Clydeo imagines are all external; the actual risks of communicating or trying for a connection are never explored. Still, the anthropomorphized pup and kitten are cute, the storytelling is peppy, and Clydeo’s many fans will be pleased to see him cooking yet again. Emerging readers might need help with some words (together, thought, friendship).

A tale that whips up plenty of fun.