As you know I greatly enjoy First Second graphic novels. But even a favorite publisher (or author) can have a bust occasionally. And I was afraid the Peter & Ernesto: The Lost Sloths was going to be one for them.
And it almost was a not good book, as it started out weak. Thankfully it did pick up as the simple story went on. The large panels help block the story. Easy/early readers could have fun exploring the text and illustrations. Some names of the characters and animals might prove to be difficult, but it would be a good jumping off point to learn about the different animals we meet. And the simple, but not necessarily simplistic, illustrations grew on me after a while. My trepidation was that the art looked, frankly, weak and just lazy. But the solid colors, the just right amount details and how it compliments the text makes it a good read for ages 7 to 9 (young 10) and what finally got to me to the liking it stage. Also, I felt that it could also be a read-aloud for a one-on-one situation therefore giving it some range of ages.
This is book two of a series. Peter & Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths came out in 2108 and Peter & Ernesto: Sloths in the Night is due in 2020. While you do not need to read the first one first, it might help fill in some personality questions about Graham Annable’s two sloth heroes.
