YOURS IN BOOKS by Julie Falatko.  Illus. by Gabriel Alborozo.  Petaluma, CA: Cameron Kids, 2021. 36p.  ISBN 978-195183620-7 hc. $17.99     PreS -Gr. 2     E PIC

In this epistolary story, Owl T. Fencepost writes letters back and forth with Bessie Squirrel, the owner of the local bookstore, and carries on correspondence aimed at finding a way for him to read quietly with a cup of tea.  Owl's book requests begin with titles aimed at isolating himself from the neighborhood, which is filled with noisy children who want him to read aloud to them.  As the youngsters slowly invade his daily life, Owl gets books about how to make cookies and crafts and tea parties.  Readers will notice that the formality of the letters becomes more friendly as Owl transforms from grumpy to caring, with the help of his local bookseller, who also enjoys a good tea party.   The illustrations add another dimension to the story with personification of the animals' body language and facial expressions that every reader can interpret.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI