I'm in Charge!

Toddler-PreS-Delightful, bright digital illustrations and a flawless rhyming text tell the story of a small rhinoceros that learns a lesson. When his parents tell him to do anything, such as go to bed, the feisty young bully refuses, then states his signature comeback: "I'm in charge!" The other inhabitants of the savanna are flummoxed as to what to do with the temperamental toddler when he declares that the mango tree and its fruit are all his. Action verbs appear in a big bold font and highlight potentially new vocabulary words for youngsters. "He scattered all the meerkats, and he startled poor Giraffe. He squashed Baboon's banana when he would not give him half." Colorful spreads are suitable for one-on-one sharing and large enough for storytimes. The stylized illustrations contain backgrounds in radiant shades of pink, yellow, green and blue while the coloring of the African animals, including a warthog, elephants, a pygmy mouse, and wildebeests are more realistic. VERDICT A charming read-aloud for most collections about a little rascal's comeuppance that will be enjoyed by young children.--Maryann H. Owen, Oak Creek Public Library WI

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

The familiarity of Rhino's self-absorbed, controlling behavior and the predictable, satisfying end make this a good choice for the youngest listeners. The "terrible twos" come alive at the savanna watering hole.
—Kirkus Reviews

The book's double-page spreads feature cheerful digital illustrations with sunrise tones and watercolor effects that effectively convey the heat and expanse of the savanna. A nice lesson couched in absorbing illustrations and simple rhymes.
—Booklist