HENRI & MIKO

The auspicious beginning of a truly precious woodland community.

Past Phelps County Orchard, in a golden-leafed patch of forest called Bosk Olivette, lies an abandoned cider press. Its inhabitants, Henri, a long-legged mouse, and her pal Miko, the rosy-cheeked bee, enjoy the cozy magic of autumn, whether taking in the changing colors of the leaves or savoring seasonal dishes. Following an introduction, two relatively brief chapters follow the friends as they observe Leaf Day (a holiday made up by spunky Miko: “We can do anything as long as it involves leaves”) and seek out a frightful experience…or at least a scary movie. The use of smaller, comics-esque panels, precisely detailed artwork, and descriptive narration means that this book demands readers’ focus, but it’s well worth it; Green’s sumptuous illustrations will immerse youngsters within an entirely enticing world. Visual charms are evident on every page, from cutaway images showing the cider press and surrounding areas to the use of subtle highlights during evening scenes. Between stories, Green includes a couple of poems, a recipe for Cinnamon Apple Crumb Crumb, and a guide to drawing a witchy Miko. An epilogue sees the pals dealing with the transition from autumn to winter and preserving treasured memories so that they can last all year long; count this book among the seasonal gems worth revisiting and savoring like scones and tea with an old friend.

A beguiling ode to autumn; the other three seasons must be bursting with jealousy to go next.