Blob

PreS-Gr 2--Never has an existential crisis had so much charm and appeal. Blob is struggling to find their identity. The one thing that Blob knows for certain is that they are most certainly not called Bob, despite the insistence of the narrator. With an introduction as a "creature of indeterminate kind," Blob has the blueprint to be anything or everything. Is Blob a panda, a rock, a cotton-candy tester, a haystack, or a painter of haystacks? With each of Blob's evolutions in shape and vocation, Blob gets closer to just being...Blob! This feel-good foray into journey of self-acceptance uses clever devices to keep the interest and humor feeling fresh. The story unfolds through Blob's debate with the narrator on what Blob is, or is not, giving it an interactive feel. The illustrations are simple and bright. Young fans of Ben Clanton and Jonathan Stutzman will appreciate this title. VERDICT A perfectly paced, relatable comedy sure to tickle the preschool set with its exuberant illustrations and message of self-actualization. A recommended purchase for most collections.--Sarah Simpson, Westerville P.L., OH

Blob will come as a comfort to any kids who struggle with the "what I want to be when I grow up" assignments. Our hero's insistence on their right name additionally models useful behavior for kids who often have their names mispronounced. — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books