The Interrupted Plans of Mango and Nan

In this freewheeling adventure, Mango and Nan, portrayed with pale skin, plan to head out for vanilla ice cream—until they hear a “plop” that Nan identifies as a leaky tap. “We can’t let water go to waste,” she tells Mango. When the labyrinth of pipes, depicted in a comical cutaway, proves too complex for their DIY skills, Mango comes up with a new plan: take the plops with them via a hose, spreading water where needed en route to ice cream. As slyly observed digital artwork by Tahboub shows, it seems a fine idea—until the water pressure increases dramatically. While the ending doesn’t draw the clearest line between conserving water and enjoying a favorite treat, readers will come away knowing that amazing adventures can flow from best-laid plans. Background characters are shown with various skin tones. Ages 4–8. (Aug.)