Louis

PreS-Gr 3--Louis is a teddy bear who has truly seen it all. And he's a teddy bear who has had enough. He has been used and abused as a pillow, a hankie, and as lunch for a prehistoric beast. He's been buried alive, thrown into a hurricane, hung out to dry, and has even been made an accessory to a nightmare-inducing crime! Lichtenheld lets readers know that Louis is ready to break free--but there is always a reason not to leave, and he's going to need more cupcakes. Rowan-Zoch's colorful and expressive illustrations complement Lichtenheld's silly story and truly bring Louis the grumpy bear to life. Fans of the author's Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site will delight in this enjoyable picture book. VERDICT Perfect for read-alouds or one-on-one sharing, this is a laugh-out-loud spin on a would-be runaway's best-laid plans.--Elizabeth Blake, Fields Corner Lib., Dorchester, MA

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

The title character is all talk and no action--and that makes him one endearing teddy bear. The problem, according to Louis, is that his life as a beloved stuffed toy has been something just short of a living nightmare: he's been "x-rayed" (by airport security), "milk-sprayed" (thanks to clumsy cereal preparation), and "mislaid" (left on the bus--and quickly retrieved). Louis is good and ready to walk, but breaking up is hard to do: each time he prepares himself, something holds him back, whether it's one more cupcake at a dress-up tea party, being made the star of a dramatic show-and-tell describing the bus incident ("1 brave bear" reads the chalkboard), or a cozy late-night snuggle. Digital cartooning by illustrator Rowan-Zoch (You're One!) is to the point, with a Louis who is expressive without skewing hammy. Lichtenfeld's (When My Brother Gets Home) first-person narration is just the right amount of cranky, rendering Louis as both sympathetic (he does get thrown in the washing machine, after all) and clueless as to how good he has it. Ages 4-7. Author's agent: Amy Rennert, the Amy Rennert Agency. Illustrator's agent: Marcia Wemick, Wemick & Pratt Agency. (Oct.)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

★ "Like a faithful teddy, sure to become a favorite for many readers."—Kirkus, STARRED review

"Lichtenheld's first-person narration is just the right amount of cranky, rendering Louis as both sympathetic (he does get thrown in the washing machine, after all) and clueless as to how good he has it."—Publishers Weekly

"Rowan-Zoch's colorful and expressive illustrations complement Lichtenheld's silly story and truly bring Louis the grumpy bear to life.... Perfect for read-alouds or one-on-one sharing, this is a laugh-out-loud spin on a would-be runaway's best-laid plans."—School Library Journal

"A cheeky reminder to kids to show a little care to what they might be taking for granted."—BCCB