Arnie, the Doughnut (Adventures of Arnie the Doughnut)

K-Gr 3-Similar in style and format to Keller's Open Wide (Holt, 2000), this fun-filled adventure takes readers to a bakery. A chocolate-covered doughnut serves as guide, describing each of the steps involved in the creation of various confections. Poor Arnie, however, is clueless as to why people buy tasty treats, and when he is sold to Mr. Bing, he is shocked to discover his fate. Refusing to be eaten, he devises numerous reasons why he should remain whole and ways that he might benefit his new owner. The story becomes quite silly, as both characters think of ridiculous alternatives to the traditional role of a doughnut. Arnie suggests, "I could be your chauffeur," and Mr. Bing replies, "But you can't see over the steering wheel." Then Arnie volunteers to be a bodyguard, and Mr. Bing quips, "Who could you protect me from-a cookie?" In the end, the pastry is substituted for a pet and becomes a "doughnut-dog," doing tricks, attending obedience school, protecting Mr. Bing's abode, and becoming his best friend. Done in acrylic paints and collage, the cartoon artwork flows all over the pages, showing a multitude of details and amusingly bizarre drawings. Filled with offbeat humor, this fantasy spoof also highlights Arnie's optimistic, can-do personality. Kids will eat it up.-Rita Soltan, formerly at Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI Copyright 2003 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Arnie, a chocolate-frosted with sprinkles, "knew that people all over town made special trips... to buy doughnuts of their very own." He reminisces fondly on the frying and cooling process that brought him into the world, and casually flirts with the apple fritter on the tray beside him. His na ve excitement suggests he does not realize his fate, confirmed by his comments after his purchase by Mr. Bing (" Why does he keep me in this bag?' Arnie wondered"). When Mr. Bing tries to eat his breakfast, the title character reacts in disbelief. Arnie, after a near escape, borrows a phone to "warn the others," and learns that his fellow doughnuts sacrifice themselves freely: "Yes, we know! We're delicious!" they shout. Failing to foment rebellion, Arnie, along with Mr. Bing, must decide what a doughnut is good for, other than eating (" I need a new bowling ball.' Well, don't look at me!' " Arnie retorts). As in her The Scrambled States of America, Keller packs the spreads with comical stage business and extemporaneous asides. Roly-poly doughnut holes make fun of a jelly-filled ("Eeeooo! His brains are oozing out!"), a bear claw growls, and a beret-wearing cruller teaches Arnie to speak French. The hero himself, with spindly arms and legs and a hole where his nose would be, clowns around in the margins. Like Chris Raschka's Arlene the Sardine, this witty book calls attention to the foods people take for granted; unlike vacuum-packed Arlene, Arnie takes destiny into his own hands, with vastly entertaining results. Ages 4-8. (Apr.) Copyright 2003 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

A Chicago Tribune precinct pick for the holidays
A "New York Times Book Review" "Notable Book"
A P"ublishers Weekly" "Editor's Pick"
A "Publishers Weekly" "Best Children Books 2003"
A "Publishers Weekly" "Tastiest-and Most Well-Rounded-Title Character" Award
REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
"Arnie takes destiny into his own hands with vastly entertaining results." —"Publishers Weekly, "starred
"Laurie Keller is a goofball. She's a genius. She's a goofball and a genius." —"New York Times Book Review "
"Keller gives 'pet food' a new meaning in this savory outing. . . . so deliciously silly is this confection, that few readers will pass up second helpings." —"Kirkus Reviews"
"[G]ood for a belly laugh." —"Newsday"
"Arnie is one of the cleverest and funniest books I've seen in a long time." —"BookPage "
"[P]acked with fun and sprinkled with so many illustrative and humorous asides." —"Star Tribune," Minneapolis, MN
"In picture books, usually only dogs are as funny as this. Keller doesn't miss a trick." —"San Diego Union Tribune "
"Keller's riotous collages. . . .which are filled with gleeful puns, winning characters, and over-the-top silliness, are as manic and fun as a sugar high." —"Booklist "
"Off-the-wall humor and zany artwork" —"Seattle Post Intelligencer "