Chirri & Chirra, in the night

PreS-Gr 4--In this latest addition to the popular Japanese series, Chirri and Chirra, identical sisters, ride their bicycles into an enchanted forest on a moonlit night. There they join the Full Moon Festival and have a fanciful adventure. There are many cats, magic drinks that give the girls cat tails and whiskers, and flowerworks, like fireworks, to light up the night. Animal crackers run into the night, and a cat band offers joyful music. Their friendly cat hosts provide entertainment, magic, and friendship. Muted illustrations in pencil and pastel complement the gentle story, which will be enjoyed for its playfulness and humor. A very worthwhile, calming addition for story time or one-on -one reading. VERDICT This exceptionally tender work will be a soothing read-aloud at story hours.--Eva Elisabeth VonAncken

Chirri and Chirra have another fantastical adventure in this latest installment of the Japanese series. The identical dark-haired, pale-skinned duo, as always dressed in white with black leggings, riding their identical bicycles, follow the sound of drums as the sky darkens to night. Ahead, they see lights at the edge of the forest and a bevy of cats beckoning them to a brightly decorated booth, where they are offered sparkly, delicious full-moon sodas, with the reflection of that moon "shining its face" in their goblets. After several of these drinks, the children grow pointed ears, whiskers, and tails and develop keen night vision. They are given necklaces of beautiful flowers and pedal to the Full Moon Festival, where they see booths of unusual delights. Along with all the cats, they circle a perfectly round lake, and the loveliest magic of all occurs. When the cats touch the necklace flowers to a lantern flame, they sparkle and glow and become beautiful "flowerworks." The children pedal home safely, guided by the full moon and no longer sporting tails or whiskers. The text is spare and descriptive, while the charming, softly focused illustrations add detail and dimension. Chirri and Chirra are game for adventures and trusting of the characters they meet. Nothing remotely frightening interferes; it is all pure, gentle magic, fantasy, and lively imagination throughout. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Sweet, wonderful make-believe. More of this duo, please. (Picture book. 3-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.