THE BINS BREAKOUT

A pair of raccoons and their possum friend return for their most daring heist yet.

The place: the Art Gallery of Ontario. The time: the night of the big gala. The prize: “SO MUCH FOOD!” But Dusty, ReRe, and Scraps aren’t the only enterprising crooks casing this joint, and the group accidentally foils the escape of some human art thieves on their way out. Hailed as heroes, the Racc Pack are rewarded with a key to the city and hauled off to the zoo so their adoring fans can visit them at their leisure. But even the wonder of regular mealtimes can’t make up for the fact that they can’t leave. Ever. Aided by a mysterious fellow zoo dweller with an agenda of her own, will the pack be able to pull off the breakout of their lives? Three volumes in, the series has lost none of its charm. Although the story is a bit predictable in places, it raises thought-provoking questions around what art is, and who it’s for; this installment’s guest critter probes issues of subjectivity, accessibility, and the death of creative passion in a society, all of which gives her greater depth. The power of friendship shines once more as the intrepid heroes gain another ally in their enduring quest to scavenge a comfortable existence for their growing pack. Ancillary human characters are diverse, and bright, bold illustrations keep the energy high.

Thoroughly entertaining.