Oris and Peanut Forever and Ever, words by Naseem Hrab and drawings by Kelly Collier. Owlkids, 2024. $21.95 ages 4 and up

"A second cake?

We'll save the first 
cake for a very special
occasion ... 

and we'll eat 
this one for no reason 
at all! 

Eat cake for no reason? 

No reason is a perfectly 
good reason." 

Otis and Peanut are back with three stories about friendship, cake, loss, and memories. In the first, Peanut brings a surprise. It's the strawberry cake they both love because it was one of Pearl's favorite recipes. Otis thinks it should be saved for a more special time. Peanut solves their dilemma by bringing another cake the next day. The first can be saved for another time; this one can be eaten right away. When Otis learns that Peanut iced it with Pearl's cream cheese frosting, he's willing to eat it 'for no reason at all'. Over the next few days, they eat the cake with tea, on a swing, and on the bus ... until every morsel is devoured. 

In the second, Peanut is nearly frantic when he thinks he has eaten the last of Pearl's strawberry jam. He searches high and low for more, and is lucky enough to find the last jar. Remembering that Pearl left  strawberry seeds, he takes the time to plant them in his garden. Once done, he settles in for lemonade and a read on the porch. Fatigue leads to a snooze and a dream about the fun he and Pearl once had together. He knows it will never be the same again without Pearl; a beautiful memory it remains.

In the final chapter, Peanut's visit to Otis leads to a discussion about memories. Otis likes to save his in a memory book; Peanut says he keeps them in his head. Maybe those memories will fade as time passes, says Otis. As they pore over the pages of Otis's book, they remember fun times with Pearl. The next day, Peanut returns with his wagon and a box he's filling with his favorite memories. Together, they head off to make more, and add them to the box. Now, they have both new and old memories. How lovely! 

Kelly Collier's artwork shares the emotions of friendship and loss, while also leaving readers recognizing that our memories can hold both happy and sad moments in life. Support from friends makes all the difference. A list of ideas for remembering is appended. 

I love these characters, and look forward to meeting them again!