Brave Enough for Two

June 4, 2018
Olive is a little girl who, when it comes to adventure, prefers “the kind found in books.” But her best friend, a stuffed owl named Hoot, promises her that he is “brave enough for both of us” and convinces her to come along on an escapade that starts with hot-air ballooning (powered by a multitude of birthday balloons) and ends on the high seas, with the balloon’s basket as the boat. In his author-illustrator debut, Voss (illustrator of Sally Walker’s Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh) tells a supportive story of friendship and taking chances, illustrated in burnished-toned compositions that take on a cinematic expansiveness. Hoot’s initial gallantry and protectiveness is sweet (“We can never be lost,” he says, “As long as I’m here and you’re there, and here and there aren’t very far apart”), but in the end, it’s Olive who proves to be the steadfastly brave one: “I was afraid today …But you were brave. And you kept me safe,” says Hoot. “Don’t ever be afraid,” Olive replies, “I’ll always keep you safe.” Ages 4–8. Agent: Catherine Drayton, InkWell Management.

June 1, 2018

PreS-Gr 2-Hoot, a stuffed owl, and Olive, a winsome and messy-haired girl, are best friends. Olive likes to experience adventures from the safety of her window seat, her nose in a book. Hoot prefers the real thing and promises to be brave enough for them both. "We can never be lost so long as I'm here and you're there, and here and there aren't very far apart," he tells the wary child. A simple balloon ride turns frightening during a rainstorm, ending safely as Hoot unties the helium balloons one at a time to ensure a soft landing. But a ride down the river scares them both, and Hoot feels defeated when he discovers a hole in his covering, and some stuffing leaking out. Now it is time for Olive to be brave enough for two, and end their adventure tucked into bed with a book. Voss's digitally colored pen-and-ink watercolor paintings are soft and lovely, with half-page smudgy thumbnail pencil drawings a sort of storyboard for the narrative. The language is similarly soft and lovely, and a bit Milnesque: "The pair rolled out, head over bottom, into a patch of grass." It's only natural that Voss's characters share a Pooh and Christopher Robin relationship; he is the illustrator of Sally Walker's 2015 title that tells the story of the real Winnie the Pooh. VERDICT The cover calls this a "Hoot & Olive Story,"suggesting there are more to come. Find room for this kind and gentle friendship story in most collections; perfect for one-on-one and small group sharing.-Lisa Lehmuller, Paul Cuffee Maritime Charter School, Providence

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2018
A girl overcomes fears and helps her favorite friend.Olive has a BFF--Hoot, a large, chubby toy owl. Olive likes her excitement in books, while Hoot's eager for genuine adventures. When Hoot tells Olive he's prepared a surprise for her that "could be a small bit scary," she's wary, declaring that she isn't as brave as he. A balloon-powered flight higher than Olive appreciates ensues, as does a speedy boat ride. Through both exploits, Hoot reminds scared Olive he'll keep her safe. Then Hoot discovers his bottom's torn; he's lost stuffing. Olive now declares she'll "be brave enough for both of us." Leading them both safely home, she repairs the rip. While sweet, this friendship story may confuse readers. Is Olive imagining the adventures, with Hoot the stand-in for her courage, or have the thrilling feats been propelled by the toy's own agency? Kids may not mind, but some adults might frown that a girl repeatedly protests fearfulness while a male demonstrates daring ingenuity. Finally, what's brave about walking home and sewing (another stereotyped female activity)? The artwork (rendered in watercolors, pen, and ink, and with colors added digitally) fares better, the illustrations displaying colorful, sweeping spreads and commanding aerial perspectives; occasionally, more-intimate black-line sketches appear in margins with text. Olive has pale skin, ruddy cheeks, button eyes, and wind-blown brown locks.A well-meaning but just so-so friendship story. (Picture book. 3-6)

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January 1, 2019
Olive's stuffed owl Hoot has to coax her into going on adventures: "I will be brave enough for both of us." But when Hoot gets hurt, it's Olive's turn to be brave and get them both home. Voss illustrates this satisfying tale of friendship using an appealing combination of small sepia sketches and larger color paintings from a variety of dramatic perspectives.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)