A very funny table of contents (all four chapters are titled "Ribbit") sets the tone for this early reader, in which duo Rabbit and Robot are joined by a new friend, Ribbit. Going from two friends to three can be uncomfortable, but they find a way to play together. ( )

I picked this book up as I had read El Deafo by Cece Bell previously this month. I blazed through it in an evening. This a great early reader book that could be easily read as a bed time story. Understandable by young kids 2-3 age group.

Critique:
It is a good chapter book talking about friends and understanding. A new friend joins robot and Rabbit this time. However, Rabbit didn't like Ribbit at all. Perhaps Rabbit's hatred was out of jealousy or he just dislike Ribbit because he couldn't understand what he said. At the end, they worked together to "rescue" their mutual friend, Robot, which made them get along well with each other.
In this chapter book, readers can tell how a person reacts when he is jealous from the conversations and also the pictures. Teachers and parents can use this book into their teaching of friendship or other relationships, telling kids what are impolite and what are right.

Age appropriate:
Kindergarten and early primary school ( )

Rabbit is going to surprise his best friend Robot. But Robot already has a friend visiting - a new friend, Ribbit. Robot and Ribbit are playing a game of checkers and Rabbit can't understand why Robot wants to be with this boring friend - all she says is "ribbit!" Will the three ever be able to agree and be friends together?

This easy reader is closer to a beginning chapter book than an easy reader, but it still has limited text and art. Cece Bell shows her mastery of this spare medium by communicating complex concepts through her humorous prose and illustrations. The complications of friendship and community are both explored as Rabbit struggles with his feelings at seeing the close friendship between Ribbit and Robot, which he can't join in. When Robot is in trouble, Ribbit and Rabbit have to join together to help him, building a bond between them as well.

Bell's art has a 2d, flat look that actually works quite well for this tongue-in-cheek story. It will take a fairly competent reader to pick up on all the textual and visual clues, but the right reader will find plenty to make them giggle and reflect in this story.

Verdict: A good choice if you're looking for more high-level easy readers.

ISBN: 9780763679354; Published 2016 by Candlewick; Borrowed from another library in my consortium