Poppy and Sam and the Leaf Thief

K-Gr 2—This graphic novel for young readers centers on two tiny friends, Poppy, a young girl, and Sam, a miniature panda, who live in a beautiful garden where they make homes out of hollowed-out pumpkins and gourds. When their pal Basil, a plant, finds that his leaves have been nibbled overnight, Poppy and Sam interview the insects, stake out the garden, and even set a trap, but are unable to solve the mystery. As a last resort, they rub a bar of soap all over Basil's leaves and stem and wait for a trail of bubbles to lead them to their suspect. Adorable cartoon illustrations feature lovely details. The plants all have faces, and the busy activity of side characters adds to the fun: a sneaky ant walks off with Sam's sandwich; the worms smooch in the background in another panel. Confident, creative, and compassionate, Poppy leaps into action and thinks on her feet. The setting is enchanting and the resolution delightful. Children will build reading skills, and they'll soon be asking for the next Poppy and Sam story.