Babbit

PreS-Gr 1—While picnicking with his owners, a blue stuffed bunny is snatched away by a gang of toy "meanies." A yellow crocodile, pink bear, spotted dragon, and witch debate Babbit's tastiest bits: "I'm having his little fluffy tail… .You can have his ears." Sisters ("the Big One and the Little One") rescue Babbit, and a mad-dash chase through the forest ensues. When they reach the safety of home, the Biggest One of All (their mother) sends the Snappy One, the Growly One, the Snorty One, and the Witchy One to "the naughty seats." Babbit's saucy narration is peppered with funny expressions like "Wiggle my whiskers," "Blinking bob tails," and "Thank our lucky lettuce leaves." Monks's childlike acrylic and collage illustrations capture the suspenseful high jinks. All ends well with the sisters and Babbit tucked in bed, making for a not-so-scary imaginative romp.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada