Mr Badger and Mrs Fox 4 Peace and Quiet

A blended family of badgers and foxes make the best of close quarters in this wintertime story.

Mr. Badger and his three kits, Bristle, Berry and Grub, along with Mrs. Fox and her pup, Ginger, are hunkering down for a long winter together in this early-reader book that makes great use of comic conventions. Panel illustrations show the family gathering materials to make their shared den nice and cozy, while also discussing their differing wintertime behaviors: The badgers don't hibernate, but they do sleep an awful lot to preserve their energy, and they rely on fat reserves to stay warm throughout the season, while the foxes grow thick winter coats and plan to hunt in the snowy forest. At first, the little ones have a hard time understanding these differences, and a dose of cabin fever makes the living situation rather fraught. Happily, the parents step in to ease tensions and to help their children make the most of the season and of their relationships with one another. Speech balloons, endearing illustrations of the characters, well-paced panels and lots of action from scene to scene will keep young readers invested in this story, particularly if they are already familiar with the previous titles in the series.

A welcome addition to shelves of graphic novels for new readers.--Kirkus Reviews

-- "Journal"

This charming series follows the life of Mr. Badger and his three youngsters, Bristle, Berry, and Grub, as they start a new life with Mrs. Fox and her daughter, Ginger. In this installment, the animals are noticing more and more differences between them as they head into winter. Ginger teases the young badgers about eating constantly, not knowing that it's necessary for them to do so to survive the colder temperatures. In turn, Ginger herself is looking bigger because she, as all foxes do, is growing a thicker coat of fur. Ginger doesn't understand that the badgers need a lot of sleep during the dreary months and constantly pesters her stepbrother Grub to play, play, play. He is grouchy and just wants some peace and quiet. Mrs. Fox gently explains to her daughter that she can't force the badger kids to be just like her. 'Everyone marches to his own beat!' she wisely advises. In better spirits, Ginger helps her mother prepare a fun surprise for when they wake up from their lengthy nap. The expressive illustrations show the moments of frustration and squabbling among the stepsiblings as well as the joy of being together. Background scenes reflect the changing seasons as rusts turn to winter white. This graphic novel is perfect for all young readers, but especially those who might be dealing with their own blended-family situation. Readers learn there will be hard times adjusting to the changes but that they can still be part of a loving family unit. --School Library Journal

-- "Journal"