Bing and Chutney Off to Moosonee

Irene Punt is a published author and elementary-school teacher in
Calgary, Alberta.

Bing, the pig, thinks she has everything when she moves into her cozy
new house. The garden is pretty, the basement has a workshop, the
bedrooms have toys and books, and the livingroom has a fireplace. One
day, when Bing goes to her mailbox to see if anyone has written to her,
she suddenly remembers how she needs a best friend. Bing begins to paint
pictures of potential best friends until an elephant named Chutney
knocks on the front door. They become instant soul mates.

Bing Finds Chutney explores the simple pleasures of
friendship—telling stories, talking, sharing, and hanging out. It is a
nice prelude to future Bing and Chutney adventures.

In Bing and Chutney Off to Moosonee, the two friends pack a picnic
lunch and head off to catch the streetcar to Moosonee. The trip becomes
an adventure when Chutney suddenly becomes the streetcar driver. First
they pick up their friends (Cow, Giraffe, Zebra, Kangaroo, and Rooster),
then they ride for hours—up hills, down valleys, and round every
corner on two wheels. When Cow tosses the picnic basket to Giraffe, it
flies out the streetcar window. The fun-loving animals have a squished
picnic in the snow.

These two books are full of fun-loving friendship, resembling the
George and Martha series. The stories will tickle the funny bones and
heartstrings of young readers. Von Kцnigslow’s watercolors add to
their charm. Recommended.