Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Release Date: February 3, 2015
Price: $9.99
Creator: Paige Braddock
Format: 128 pgs., Full-Color, Trade Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-4494-5711-2
Age Ratings: 7-12 years
ICv2 Ratings: 4 Stars out of 5
Stinky Cecil, a toad who comes by his name with good reason, and his pals are having fun by their pond the way they usually do when they discover a nearby highway construction project threatens to destroy their home. Only by working together can he and Jeremy the worm, Rayray the lizard, Reggie the fly and Jeff (a "free-range hamster") do they have any chance of stopping it.
And seeing as how they're a band of very small creatures their chances aren't very good. This quickly becomes apparent as we see one after another of their well intentioned plans fail, even when they're forced to find common cause with their natural predator, the hawk. But they keep on trying until the story comes to an unexpected conclusion.
"Keep trying" is definitely one of the messages of the book, as well as the importance of friendship, teamwork and using your special talents (even if it's only being really stinky, as is the case with Cecil) as well as protecting the environment. And in the back there's a "More To Explore!" natural science section in to give kids some fun facts about animals. But all of the inspirational and educational material is done with a light touch that never gets in the way of the fun. And there's plenty of that in Paige Braddock's deftly done art and crisp dialogue which brings the whole thing to life. Kids, and grown-ups who can keep an open mind, should enjoy this one.
--Steve Bennett: Writer and retail services consultant.