Peter & Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths

February 26, 2018
In a graphic novel–style story for young readers, Ernesto and Peter, two skinny, wide-eyed sloths, love to spot animal shapes in the clouds above the rainforest, but the extroverted Ernesto wants more: “I want to see ALL of the sky!” He takes off, dashing across a swinging bridge, splashing across a river, reaching the sea, and befriending a whale. Left behind, Peter is aghast: “He could get eaten.” After some anguished indecision, he sets out to bring Ernesto back. He’s terrified by the bridge Ernesto skipped over, and by almost everything else he encounters, but he gathers courage little by little, singing as he goes (“Did you find all the sky? I wish I could know!”). Working in multipanel sequences and individual frames, Annable bounces between the ebullient Ernesto and the worrywart Peter, rendering each with equal affection. Peter comes to understand that his friendship with Ernesto is strong enough to withstand his absence, but it’s still a thrill when they are reunited. Annable’s gift for caricature and zippy dialogue shines through, as he celebrates his characters’ contrasting temperaments without a hint of snark. Ages 6–10.

Starred review from March 1, 2018

Gr 1-4-Peter and Ernesto are sloths who enjoy a placid life of hibiscus munching and cloud watching. Ernesto declares that he wants to see the sky and sets off, eventually making it to the Arctic to see the northern lights, with the help of a gentle whale. Peter, meanwhile, distraught at being left behind and fearful for his friend's safety among many imagined perils, goes after him, guided by other creatures. This is a funny, touching tale. The sloths are thickly outlined, hill-like creatures with big eyes and occasionally flailing limbs. Their exaggerated movements and expressions will help emerging readers decode the vocabulary and connect with the emotions conveyed by the text. The characters' different notions of adventure and bravery recall other odd couple friendships, such as Mo Willems's "Elephant and Piggie" and Holly Hobbie's "Toot and Puddle." VERDICT Recommended for beginning reader shelves and elementary graphic novel collections.-Jennifer Costa, Cambridge Public Library, MA

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2018
Two sloth friends explore the world beyond their tree in this sweet graphic novel. Odd-couple sloths Peter and Ernesto live together in a tree, contentedly watching clouds and snacking on hibiscus. Peter bursts into joyful song: "Nothing ever changes for you and me!" Unfortunately for Peter, this has an unintended effect: Ernesto realizes he needs to see more of the world and decides to depart for his journey immediately, leaving worrywart Peter behind. As his concern for Ernesto spirals, Peter frantically decides to follow his friend and make sure he's safe. The story alternates between the separated duo as Peter follows in Ernesto's footsteps. They each cross oceans and make new friends before finally reuniting and returning home. Annable's soft, expressive illustrations juxtapose Ernesto's easy, optimistic joy with Peter's apprehensive courage as they explore the world for the first time. Clearly delineated panels ensure that newer readers won't lose their way. Perplexingly, Annable veers away from the traditional comedy gold sloths provide, giving the duo speedy, apelike movement, opposable thumbs (and no iconic claws), and knowledge of species outside of their environment. Despite these oddities, many readers will look forward to the next adventure.A solid pick for readers who have graduated from Elephant and Piggie, Frog and Toad, and Narwhal and Jelly. (Graphic fantasy. 6-9)

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January 1, 2019
In this early-reader graphic novel, an odd couple of sloths ends up traveling the world as Peter, the anxious homebody, worriedly follows the restless Ernesto when he sets out on a voyage. The adventure is epic, but a muted, cool-toned palette and matter-of-fact humor absorb all extremes. Large, thick-bordered panels complement the accessible text, and the long-armed, goggly-eyed sloths are charming.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)