Best brother ever!

PreS-Gr 1--This story sets out to keep things simple for beginning readers, with easy sentences and light text, although it begins with a point of confusion: Figgy and Boone are not technically brothers, as suggested by the title. Figgy is a sweet, perky mouse interested primarily in expressing affection for Boone, his slightly taller, somewhat smarter, bespectacled rat companion. Boone gently points out that they can't be brothers, as they are different species. In Figgy's ensuing search for a sibling, he runs through the ranks of other rodents, eventually stumbling into some high jinks with an exceedingly cute feline nemesis. Finally, Boone must concede that friendship and a common foe bind them as closely as family. As an introduction to the graphic novel format for young readers, Figgy and Boone are compelling leads and great companions, and the story is clear of distractions or complicated imagery. The plot is simple, the action is straightforward, and Trasler's illustrations are just steps away from stick-figure simplicity. That threatens to make it a bit forgettable--the characters' rapport is reminiscent of that found in Mo Willems's "Elephant and Piggie" books without giving the characters definition or energy beyond their basic interactions. This may be an opportunity for later volumes to build on. VERDICT A quick and silly rodent-happy romp, this book provides a fun and funny opportunity for reading practice.--Emilia Packard

A mouse grapples with the concepts of brotherhood, species, and family solidarity. A longtime writer for very early readers launches a new series incorporating graphic-novel reading techniques and gentle humor. To introduce the story, the mouse, Figgy, explains how to read panels and the difference between speech and thought bubbles. In the first chapter, Figgy's friend Boone patiently tries to help him understand that they are not brothers. Figgy's a mouse; Boone is a rat. In spite of their similarities, they're different species--cousins. In the second chapter, after learning that a hamster is also a cousin, Figgy uses that label for all his friends. But when Figgy encounters a kitten, Boone has to explain the food chain. In the final chapter, the kitten's mother arrives and captures Figgy. Boone comes to the rescue by providing a distraction, and, in a heartwarming moment, he calls Figgy "my brother" after all. The cartoon animals are depicted with bold outlines and flat colors. Throughout, there are clues as to what might happen next, beginning with the mention of a cat in the introduction. Though different, Boone and Figgy are fun foils for each other. Boone would clearly prefer to be working on more complicated ideas; the illustrations show him working with math and science, but he does take time to sketch out the food chain for his friend. Figgy, in turn, produces "family trees" and a list of his favorite foods. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Satisfying siblinghood in a promising series starter. (Graphic early reader. 5-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.