The Invitation

February 27, 2023
The delicate, startling visual world created in graphite and digitally finished by artist Lafrance (Gemma and the Giant Girl) vaults Fowles’s children’s debut, a tale about real-world anxiety, into the realm of fantasy. Green-tinged, anthropomorphic Fern, who flows with delicate fronds, receives a mailed envelope that gives her pause. Instead of feeling better when it turns out to be not “bad news” but an invitation to a museum’s “super special surprise exhibition,” she continues to worry, citing a dislike of surprises and concerns about arriving on time. Sunny, confident Fawn offers to attend with her and quells her fears: if they’re running late, “We’ll ask a friendly chipmunk for a shortcut through the forest.” Fern’s worries and Fawn’s reassurance take over the plot as the two head to the event. If a tree blocks their way, Fawn declares, a grumpy bear will clear it; if the bear gets hungry, they’ll give it cake; if the bear gets a toothache, they’ll find a “brave dentist.” In related images, sweets hang temptingly from an evergreen, and a fashionably dressed human dentist, portrayed with brown skin, checks the bear’s teeth. Despite the invitation’s promise, there’s no big reveal at the end; the journey proves its own surprise as hope and whimsy lighten the force of worries, and Fern learns to work with her anxiety. Ages 3–6.

June 1, 2023

Gr 1-3-Fern, more topiary than girl, living in a resplendent Victorian setting, is worried when she sees a mysterious yellow envelope in her mailbox. Instead of opening it, she continues to worry. Her friend Fawn, an actual fawn in trousers, convinces her to open it, and it announces a surprise at the museum. Fern does not like surprises. Fern is a worrier, a what-iffer, that child who frets every step of the way, who must be dragged along by her friend who demonstrates a patience that readers may not feel. Fowles, with perfect timing, imbues Fern with a flash of self-awareness, prodded by Fawn, and she has a splendid time. This is an ideal book for anxious children, who may not see themselves in the story's early pages but will nevertheless be reassured by the last ones. Lafrance's charming limited palette of greens and golds in intricate line work recalls Maurice Sendak's first books; the scenes provide plenty to pore over in an unforgettable gala that is full of surprises for all. VERDICT Anxiety is real, and Fowles takes it on in a loving way, giving children a safe way to ask all the questions they need in this delectable and ultimately calming outing.-Kimberly Olson Fakih

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2023
When the what ifs have you stumped, find a friendly voice. One day, Fern, a humanoid creature with a light-skinned face, green body, and brackenlike hair, finds a yellow envelope in her mailbox. She has no idea what it could be and begins to fret over the possibilities of bad news. Literal clouds hang over her head. Then, her friend Fawn, a deer wearing a pair of striped pants, appears and tells Fern to open the envelope, saying they'll face whatever is inside together. Fern pulls out an invitation to a "super special surprise exhibition" at the local museum. Fawn offers to go with Fern (who doesn't like surprises). On the way, Fern continues to consider horrible what ifs, like if a fallen tree should block their way. Fawn always provides a solution (they'll ask a bear to lift the tree). Eventually, Fern supplies some solutions of her own, and everyone has a marvelous time. This exploration of anxiety shows readers that a supportive friend (or an inner positive voice) can be a staunch defense against catastrophizing and that there are benefits to moving through those stifling thoughts. This story has just the right amount of whimsy to counteract the seriousness of the issue. Lafrance's illustrations ooze with glorious nature details and graphite-produced textures, though some of the animals' stares look a bit dim. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Visually appealing empowerment in the face of anxiety. (Picture book. 4-8)

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