Synopses & Reviews
Review
“When neatnick bunny Wally advertises an upstairs apartment for rent, Mae, a huge bear, shoves her way into the house, turns her room into a pigsty and cheerfully gobbles up Wally’s carrot cake. . . . Genial Mae and sibs are appealingly shaggy, massive presences in Weldin’s cleanly drawn scenes, and along with the humor inherent in the characters’ size differential, young readers will appreciate how the lay of Wally’s long ears so clearly telegraphs his ups and downs.” (Kirkus Reviews)
Review
“A capricious bear named Mae befriends a sensible rabbit named Wally, and this unlikely pair shares an idyllic cottage in the woods. Wally doesn't like what he considers to be Mae's poor habits: sleeping late, eating his homemade carrot cake, and, worst of all, not washing the windows. He has had enough when Mae throws a party. To Wally's surprise, he enjoys the festivities and cannot stay mad at Mae. He decides he likes to have fun, but only once in a while, and after chores have been completed. At the same time, Mae discovers how rewarding it can be to help a friend, even if it involves cleaning. Wally's pages always include timing devices like clocks and stopwatches. His slippers also match his bedsheet, showing how meticulous he is. Mae is sometimes shown with a flower. Both of the animals are depicted with tenderness. The colors are bright and many of the scenes show one or both of the characters in full action.” (School Library Journal)
Synopsis
A fastidious rabbit and a slovenly bear make a new Odd Couple on the NorthSouth list. This book should appeal to fans of other classic tales of friendship like Frog & Toad or Ernest & Celestine.
About the Author
CHRISTA KEMPTER writes for German radio and television as well as writing children’s books. The mother of four, she lives in Germany. FRAUKE WELDIN worked in a bookstore for many years. Inspired by the children’s books she had been selling, she then studied illustration. She makes her home in Hamburg, Germany.