Bub

PreS-Gr 2—Being the middle child is rough. Bub (actual name, Bob, but he didn't close his "o" on an assignment and the name stuck) is upset by his parents paying attention to his big sister Bernice's talents and accomplishments, and noticing the baby (no name yet), just for being the baby. His parents argue over names for the baby and Bub notices the arguing, too; it makes him grumpy. Having had enough of being alternatively ignored and teased, he disappears for a while and waits to be missed. Missed he is, and the final spread gives readers a glimpse into a more peaceful, accepting household. Stanton's deft pencil and watercolor drawings depict an adorable set of monsters in various homey situations, their round green faces set off by a single, upward turned fang. She indicates Bub's disappearance by drawing him in outline only; we know he hasn't really gone anywhere.