Anxious Chick and mellow Fox appear once again in three easy-to-read stories involving a chocolate cake, a sunrise, and a not-so-quiet boat ride. Author/ illustrator Ruzzier is skilled at teasing out perfect short episodic stories through the gentle interactions of these two distinctive characters. Each story builds on Chick’s childlike anxiety about new experiences; his childlike nature is also shown through the mindless chatter and endless questions posed to the patient, long-suffering Fox. Each story ends with a perfectly satisfying resolution. Ruzzier uses sequential art and dialogue bubbles to advance the plot and to make action clear to nascent readers. His subtle use of line and color underscore the gentle humor of the stories. (Ages 4–7)

In the second book of this lauded series, Fox and Chick are off on three new adventures involving a boat ride, a mysterious box, and an early morning trip to see the sunrise. Despite the antics ensuing from their opposite personalities, the contradictory duo always manages to find a happy center. This early chapter book in comic-book form is perfect for emerging readers, while the sweet and funny characters and captivating art hold appeal for picturebook audiences as well.