The Not So Quiet Library

OHora's signature flat acrylic illustrations strike gold once again.Lively, detailed, endearing, and bold, the images and text create an unforgettable reading experience for book digesters everywhere.

OHora (My Cousin Momo) brings his playful wit and retro-kitchen-appliance palette to the story of Theodore and Oskar, whose weekly library visit takes a green and scaly turn. They're brothers: Oskar's human, and Theodore is a bear in plaid pants and a baseball cap. On library day, they stop by the doughnut store ("Dad always said that a day of quiet exploration required a proper breakfast"), grab some books, and settle in to read. Suddenly, a giant green foot smashes the beanbag Oskar was sitting on, and the two find themselves facing a hungry five-headed monster that thinks the library is a restaurant. After Theodore and Oskar endure some snarky threats from the monster heads--Chuck, Seymour, Winston, Pat, and Bob--the librarian, Ms. Watson, saves the day: "Story time, everyone! Please sit crisscross applesauce!" OHora brings action and danger to what might have been another book extolling books ("Books sound so much better than they taste!" enthuses Bob), not to mention some great made-up book titles like Ole Bluer and Miniature Squirrel Paintings of the 14th Century. Ages 3-5. Agent: Sean McCarthy, Sean McCarthy Literary. (July)

PreS-Gr 1--Oskar, a boy, and Theodore, a bear, are companionable reading buddies. They love waking up early Saturday mornings to visit the library--after a "proper breakfast" of delectable doughnuts. They are just settling into a typically quiet library day when the "Boom! Crash! Growl!" of a loud, angry, and disruptive monster disturbs their solitude. It appears that the five-headed creature hates books, even ones covered in whipped cream, mustard, hot sauce, or sprinkles. When Oskar tactfully explains that books are for reading rather than eating, Theodore saves them from being the monster's next snack by feeding it doughnuts instead...which is predictably followed by an equally enjoyable storytime session. OHora's bold, colorful, quirky cartoon illustrations are eye-catching, and the multiheaded green monster far outshines both boy and bear as frightfully delightful favorite characters. The part where the green ghouls dip their books into assorted condiments and dessert toppings will surely elicit more than a few laughs. Along with these silly moments, children should appreciate the final message: "Luckily, monsters like story time as much as they like donuts." VERDICT A delectable read-aloud well worth sharing, especially for a beginning library storytime session.--Etta Anton, Yeshiva of Central Queens, NY