Haru and Yama are such cute characters! Goose is also such a good sibling!
I loved their friendship, even though they were the outcasts, they find ways to comfort one another and let each other feel like they are seen.
The artwork is stunning with full mood colors for each scene! I enjoyed the illustrations and emotions in this book.
I ended up immediately searching for Book 2: Summer. Unfortunately, my local library doesn't have it. I look forward to reading it during the summer once I get my hands on one!

I read this in a very choppy manner, so I guess I should take that into account in my rating. But I really did not get this book. I *loved* the art, and that is the reason I picked it up. Also, Herb Toddman? He has my heart, he's just too cute. The character design slapped. But the story felt crazy. Maybe it's one of those books where you're not supposed to understand what's going on in the first book., but those kinds of books drive me crazy. Why would I press through a mediocre book that doesn't deliver a good story to read two more books that finally deliver a complete story? I know some people derive a lot of satisfaction from that, but I am way too impatient. Sorry.

Anyways, I liked a lot of the narration portions, but basically all the dialogue was awkward and stilted. Like in a bizarre way. I did not understand at all because so much of the in-between narration was very smooth and poetic. The plot felt like it was going nowhere, and I was struggling with the overall lore of the world. Two feels a little harsh, but I honestly couldn't begin to describe the plot of this book except in the most basic, generic phrases, so I don't think it's good. (Art's great though.)

The gorgeously illustrated cuteness of the characters hides a very serious story that gets more thought-provoking with every page turn.
Superficially, it's an adventure story where two friends set off to right a wrong and save many from a danger they don't even realize exists, but it's actually a very sweet tale of friendship, confidence, and opening yourself up to the pain of life. Some really deep thoughts for such a cute-looking book.