A dreamy reminder that all we need for a good time is an adventure with a good friend ( )

The children seemed more interested in the illustrations and the story itself. And I have to admit that the illustrations were the reason why I chose the book in the first place. ( )

Charming doesn't begin to describe this book, of two sisters on their forest adventures. The illustrations make you think of fairy tales and the animals are as sweet as the little girls. ( )

Chirri and Chirra set off on their bicycles for a day of enchanted adventures in the green forest in this charming Japanese picture-book. Everywhere they go, every establishment they visit, is staffed and patronized by animals. From the fox who waits upon them at the forest cafe, to the raccoon who serves them at the forest bakery, the two girls' day is spent surrounded by woodland creatures. So too is their night, as they check into the forest hotel and enjoy a nighttime concert, singing along with the other guests...

An absolute delight of a book, Chirri & Chirra features exactly the kind of gentle, matter-of-factly fantastic adventure that I have come to associate with Japanese picture-books. Author/artist Kaya Doi is apparently quite well known in her native country, but this marks her debut (as far as I know) in English. Kudos to Brooklyn-based Enchanted Lion Books for having it translated! The illustrations here are just lovely, whether depicting the eponymous heroines in a wider forest scene, or just focusing on particular objects, such as the treats the girls obtain at the establishments they visit. There is a feeling here, facilitated by both text and image, of stepping into another world - a happy, refreshingly green, reassuringly safe world, with plenty of good things to eat, and amiable animals to befriend. What child wouldn't love that?! I recommend this one to anyone looking for entertaining new picture-books with a gentle but engrossing story and beautiful artwork. For my part, I'm delighted to see that more of these books have been translated, and definitely intend to track down some of the sequels! ( )

The original/first Chirri & Chirra adventure follows the pair on a bike ride into the forest, where they visit a cafe and a bakery, swim and play, and find a hotel to stay overnight. Friendly forest creatures appear at every location too, and everything is just the right size for everyone. Charming, whimsical, precise illustrations in this magical story of two independent girls.

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Re-read January 2019 ( )