Vernon Is On His Way: Small Stories, written and illustrated by Philip C. Stead. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2018. $27.99 ages 3 and up

"When the walk was finished they sat down. What should we do now?" asked Skunk. "We could go for a walk," suggested Porcupine. "Or," said Vernon, "we could go fishing." "I would like to go fishing," said Skunk. Porcupine said nothing. He did not know how to fish. "We will start by eating lunch," said Vernon." But Porcupine was too nervous to eat."

In three thoughtful, welcome, and small stories, readers will enjoy additional time spent with the three appealing characters they met first in A Home for Bird (Roaring Brook Press, 2012). It's been a long and lonely wait.

In the first one, Vernon waits ... and waits ... and waits ... and still waits. The surprise at the end is absolute joy. The second concerns fishing, and Porcupine's worry that the day will be spoiled by his inability to fish. He need not have worried at all. It turns that not one of the three has any experience, and can only think to say 'Hello!' when the fish finally makes an appearance. Despite their lack of fishing knowledge, they are happy with their day and make a plan to try again tomorrow. In the last story, Vernon creates a wonderful garden space, filling it with those things he loves about his friend Bird. It's been a long time since he saw Bird last, and his memories are no longer so clear. Porcupine and Skunk are able to find exactly the perfect thing to cheer Vernon up ... inadvertently! 

Love these fine characters, and their perfect stories. Vernon is the focus, but his friends play pivotal roles. Small adventures, yes. Big friendship, also yes! I have great appreciation for the quiet moments, the slow pace, the kindness shown one to the other.

This book is definitely a 'keeper'. We will be reading it together for many years.