When his usual tactics to alleviate boredom (reading, exercise) don’t work, Raccoon decides to bake an apple cake. Out of eggs, he heads to Fox’s to borrow some. Fox is busy fixing her roof and needs a ladder, so the two set off to get one from Badger. “Perfect … A walk with Fox,” thinks Raccoon. They find Badger puzzling over a crossword clue about honey. Clearly, Bear, a honey expert, is the one to ask, so the trio makes for Bear’s, stopping to pick blackberries on the way. “Perfect … A picnic with Badger and Raccoon,” thinks Fox. Bear isn’t home, but Crow knows where to find her. The four journey to the river. “Perfect … A climbing expedition with Raccoon, Fox and Crow,” thinks Badger. At the river, Bear is fishing. “Perfect … A fishing trip with Raccoon, Badger, Fox and Bear,” thinks Crow. Soon fishing is forgotten in favor of diving into the water. “Perfect … A swim with Raccoon, Fox, Badger and Crow,” thinks Bear. This subtly patterned, clever cumulative story unwinds as the group retraces their steps at the end of the day, completing their tasks with the help of the others. The penultimate reward? Apple cake for all. The ultimate reward? A perfect, wonderful day with friends, of course! Winsome, detailed illustrations in pen, crayon, and ink amplify the appeal.     (Ages 3-7)

A big-hearted picture book about outdoor adventures on the perfect sunny, summer day.

This cheerful book captures the warmth and fun of a spontaneous summer day with friends, where one lovely activity leads to another until they all go back home to bake a cake (two cakes!) to finish.

With laconic narration, funny dialogue and exquisite illustrations, A Perfect Wonderful Day with Friends tells the story of a carefree childhood day and evokes nostalgia for summers spent playing outside, fishing, climbing trees and swimming. The repetition of language and lyrical text make a fun and satisfying read aloud—allowing children to join in.

Raccoon decides to bake an apple cake. But he has no eggs, so visits his friend Fox, who needs a ladder to mend the roof. Badger will have one, but he needs help too, so they set off to find Bear. They stroll through meadows, meet up with Crow, nibble blackberries and find Bear fishing at the river. Soon the five friends are having the best day out—the sun shining on their fur, fishing, swimming, picnic and finally home to bake the cake—two cakes, because bears have big appetites.

This book is perfect to celebrate the start of the summer school holidays and wonderful to read aloud together in the sunshine.

Philip Waechter was born in Germany. He lives as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator in Frankfurt am Main known for his beautifully classic illustration style. In 1999 Philip and Moni Port co-founded the community studio LABOR.

Translated from the German edition by Melody Shaw.

Happy and Healthy category finalist, Teach Early Years Awards 2022.

Praise for A Perfect Wonderful Day with Friends

"It all adds up to a calm, happy, perfect, wonderful day that young readers and their parents will find almost as nice as the real thing."—The Wall Street Journal

"The secret to happiness lies, this jovial book hints, in welcoming every new event and participating wholeheartedly.”—Publishers Weekly

"A picture book about simply being alive. This is a story about a day when you are being observant and finding adventure wherever you can."—School Library Journal

"Friendly characters, a satisfying story, and a happy ending for all. . . A rewarding choice for reading aloud."—Booklist