Can You Make a Scary Face?

As long as story time does not have to be synonymous with quiet time, Thomas's ("Rhyming Dust Bunnies") latest goof makes a great pick (the first page of this book enjoins readers, Hey, you! Yes, I'm talking to you! STAND UP!). In fact, the book's cheerleading narration, bold cartoons and fluorescent backdrops actually deliver an even more kinetic reading experience than the title implies. Before readers are requested to make a scary face, they're asked by the improbable instigator, a chubby and enthusiastic ladybug, to rid themselves of an imaginary tiny bug by wiggling, blowing and doing the chicken dance (Whoops! The tiny "tickly" bug flew into your mouth? Blow it out! Come on, blow harder!). It's only when a giant hungry frog comes along that... well, by that juncture, plot has fully taken a backseat to getting jiggy. Ages 3-5. (Aug.)

Copyright 2009 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-K  This book will have youngsters jumping, wiggling, dancing, pretending, and laughing all in reaction to a bossy, toothy ladybug with chartreuse skin. "Hey, you! Yes, I'm talking to you! STAND UP! No, I changed my mind]SIT DOWN! No].STAND UP!...Pretend you have a tiny bug on your nose. WIGGLE IT OFF!" Each spread has a dialogue balloon with large text and fonts that vary in color and size. Backgrounds change with every turn of the page, revealing glowing shades of blue, orange, and fuchsia. The expressive ladybug is outlined in broad black lines and seems only inches away from readers. Adults will enjoy using this title to encourage lively activity and imaginative games. Children will love everything about itespecially the surprise ending. - Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.