Wally’s Route (The Faraway Forest #1)

Fong (Next Stop) makes her early reader debut with this character-driven inaugural entry in a graphic novel series. The four-chapter story centers on Faraway Forest raccoon resident Wally, a dedicated mail carrier with a heart of gold and an array of sincere mottos. Assisted by rabbit companion Bo, Wally, like his forebears, delivers packages throughout Faraway Forest—from a tree-stump apartment complex to a mysterious shadowy cave—helping locals out of everyday predicaments. Nearly everyone appreciates Wally—all except for grumpy Mr. Sternbill, who lives at the route’s highest point. But Mr. Sternbill’s attitude begins to soften when he witnesses Wally completing his rounds despite a nasty storm, and when the raccoon is sidelined with a bad cold from battling the elements, Mr. Sternbill joins others to tend to him. Messages of diligence, empathy, patience, and self-care are signed, sealed, and delivered with a light touch across this sweetly communal, well-paced work, while charming character designs effectively hint at lives beyond Wally’s, boding well for future installments. Includes seek-and-find activities, drawing tutorials, and more. Ages 5–8. (Sept.)