Five friends (Badger, Anteater, Owl, Turtle, and Mandrill) try to think of something terrific to do but it’s hard to reach consensus when all have different opinions about what is terrific. Anteater believes climbing is terrific, Turtle suggests swimming, and Mandrill proposes hanging from one’s toes. In each instance, the one with the idea is satisfied while the rest of the group is less enthused. Snake displays questionable motives when he joins the group and notes that “squeezing things tightly in my coils is terrific” and also “It’s terrific to swallow an animal whole.” At the end of the day, having found no agreed-upon terrific activity, the exhausted friends collapse and Snake encircles them, exclaiming, “Eating together is terrific.” Breaking free of Snake’s coils, Owl grabs Snake in her beak, and the relieved friends agree that eating together is terrific. Everyone is shown eating a species-appropriate snack, with Snake is nowhere to be seen, although Owl looks particularly full. Repetition and humorous understatement drive the narrative, while expressive faces and body language add nuance to the muted watercolor and pen illustrations. (Ages 3-7)

When five animal friends--and one cunning snake--brainstorm ideas about something absolutely terrific to do, they learn about friendship, cooperation, and compromise. Sophie Gilmore's hilarious picture book will be devoured by fans of Ryan T. Higgins's We Don't Eat Our Classmates and Jon Klassen's This Is Not My Hat.

Mandrill, Owl, Badger, Turtle, and Anteater want to do something terrific together. Anteater suggests climbing--but that is not terrific for them all. Mandrill suggests hanging upside down, but that is not terrific for them all, either. And so it goes, until Snake slithers into the group and nearly upends the whole lovely afternoon.

Eventually, with open minds, patience, and cooperation--and a wickedly delightful twist--the five friends finally find a shared passion. Sophie Gilmore's gorgeous artwork is full of rich details, and she introduces five terrific--and clever--animal characters who readers will cheer for in the end. Terrific! is an irresistible choice for young readers and anyone who's ever spent an afternoon just waiting for that terrific idea to come along.