The Misadventures of Frederick, written by Ben Manley and illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark. Two Hoots, Publishers Group Canada, 2019. $25.95 ages 4 and up

"My Dearest Emily,

The lonely salmon makes
his ragged run upstream.

It is with bitter regret that I
inform you I may not go
swimming in the lake today
on account that I might
catch pneumonia and have
to go to Switzerland."

For Frederick, life inside is the best way to spend his days. He is more likely to get into trouble should he venture into the outdoors. To his surprise, the day comes when a paper airplane sails through his bedroom window.

It is from Emily, who can see him from the forest and says that he looks bored. A invitation to go for ice cream ends her note. Checking with his mother, he is reminded about the last time he was outside. Back he goes to return a note to Emily. Emily receives it and immediately responds from the tree she is climbing. Does he want to join her?

Frederick responds:

"My Dearest Emily,

The finches twitter in the sycamores,
startling the drowsy dormouse.

It is with bitter regret that I
inform you I may not come
out to climb trees today on
account that I might
break both of my collar bones.

Sorrowfully yours,
Frederick"

Emily is not a girl who gives up easily. She continues to send notes relating the joy she is finding in nature; Frederick  knows his limits and regretfully replies to each invitation. He imagines all manner of things that might happen. No bike riding, swimming, exploring for him. When Emily gives up on sending notes, and arrives with a personal greeting, Frederick cannot refuse. Let the fun begin!

Fun and friendly, the joys of the outdoors are fully displayed here and the melancholy of always being inside. Adventure vs. boredom? Which do you choose? As an added bonus to the enjoyment of a grand story, the letters may encourage young listeners to try their hand at writing one themselves.

Emily Chichester Clark uses watercolors to contrast the two worlds. Frederick's is dark and lackluster; Emily's is filled with color and joyful exuberance. Frederick waxes poetic in his notes; Emily's are short and to the point. The final spread is a surprise, and provides assurance that things have changed. Friendship prevails!