Already unhappy about moving, on Peter’s first night in the new house where he and his dad are now living, he imagines terrible things on the other side of the nearby bridge leading into a dark forest. So he constructs a sentinel out of pillows and blankets and names him Lenny. Peter decides Lenny is lonely guarding the bridge, and makes him a friend, called Lucy. Peter, Lenny, Lucy, and Peter’s dog, Harold, spend a long day together, but there is still a sense of emptiness. Then Millie, who lives next door, arrives. “She had binoculars that everyone could share (and a bag of marshmallows, too).” A quiet picture book text of big ideas and small moments is paired with soft, detailed charcoal and tempura illustrations that use color sparingly to a lovely effect. The art is finely tuned to the emotional tenor of the story as it moves from a sense of sadness and loneliness to brightness and connection, while adding small moments of whimsy. (Ages 4–8)

Peter and his father are moving to a new house beyond the dark unfriendly woods. When they arrive at their new home, Peter wants to turn back. Fortunately, he has Harold for company, but Harold is just a dog and can't help Peter. Scared of the things hidden in the woods, Peter makes a tall pile of pillows. He stiches and sews. He pushes and pulls. And when he is done, he has Lenny, Guardian of the Bridge, to protect him and Harold.

Lenny is a good guard but Peter worries that Lenny will get lonely out by the woods all by himself, so he makes Lucy, who is a good friend. Together, Lenny, Lucy, Peter, and Harold discover that this new place isn't so scary after all.

This title has Common Core connections.