ON THE TRAIL

Three animal pals’ bravery is tested in their latest adventure.

After loading up the camper van, Peanut the puppy, Butter the cat, and older dog Crackers’ human takes the crew camping. Once they are settled at Pinecone State Park, their human leaves the pack with the van’s side door open and a mesh screen to keep them safely inside. However, Butter, full of bravado, claws open the screen, and with Peanut, who is always up for doing whatever Butter and Crackers are up to, leaves to explore. Crackers is content to stay in the van with the snacks, their favorite squeaker toy, and a cozy sweater, but when it starts to get dark and Butter and Peanut haven’t returned, Crackers musters the courage to look for them only to find them in need of rescue. Full of humor—a scene of Butter looking around outdoors for a litter box will provoke giggles—and adorable examples of Peanut’s naïveté and antics, this tale shows that the three are growing closer. As in the previous two installments, the art is engaging. Displaying siblinglike dynamics, the trio learn that home can be anywhere your family is. Their human is seen only as a pair of feet and tan hands.

An accessible and endearing graphic novel for animal lovers of all ages.