The cat-and-mouse game has a new twist with best friends Oliver and Philbert. They are the main characters in Picnic with Oliver (a companion sequel to Tea with Oliver). They are two unusual best friends who go out on a picnic, despite that it looks like it might rain. This, of course, means trouble for our friends.
Mika Song creates a lovely story of friendship, adventure and adaptability. While having read the first book might have filled in a few “holes in the story” this is a standalone tale. The adult will most likey figure out what will happen long before it does (perhaps we did not realize the exact nature of the emergency, but we knew at least one of our stories characters was going to get themselves in a little sticky situation). Kids will just enjoy a fun, exciting story and wonder how will Oliver and Philibert get out of the situations they are in? Especially after there is literal rain on their picnic?
The sparse texts lends itself to the beginning reader being able to use this as one of their first reading books. They also could read to a younger sibling, cousin or friend as the story is a feel good “together” story. Of course, this is also just a fun read-aloud that is great for bedtime or while one is on their own picnic.
There are a few unusual gems like: never underestimate a best friend, the usefulness of an umbrella and of course, a good bagel.