Who's Special? Very Special Friends by Jane Chapman

ONE MORNING MOUSE HOPPED TO THE EDGE OF THE RIVER. AND THERE SHE SAT, WAITING FOR HER SPECIAL FRIENDS.

What is so rare as a summer's day? Having just the right special friends to share it with.

As Mouse waits and watches the butterflies fluttering over the grass, Rabbit appears and inquires about what she's doing there.

"THEN I'LL WAIT WITH YOU. MAY I?" ASKS RABBIT POLITELY.

As the two enjoy the buzzing of the bees and the breeze from the river. Frog hops by, inquires about what they are doing, and asks innocuously if he can tag along while Mouse waits. As the three are enjoying their visit, Turtle creeps by, inquires about their mission, and generously share his lunch with the bunch. The four enjoy a cozy nap in the shade, and wake as the sun is sliding behind the trees. Mouse makes noises about making her way home.

"OH, DON'T GIVE UP YET," CRIED RABBIT.

"WE CAN WAIT WITH YOU." SAID FROG.

"BUT YOU 'RE ALL HERE!" SAID MOUSE. "WHO COULD BE MORE SPECIAL THAN YOU?"

Illustrator of the beloved Bear Snores On and sequels, in her latest, Very Special Friends (Good Books, 2012), Jane O'Connor has given us a sweet and summery tale of friendship, reminiscent of Lobel's Frog and Toad tales, illustrated softly and told well, in her own gentle style.