Dude

Gr 1—3—This takeoff on the old "Dick and Jane" books is a deliberately simple tale about a surfer named Dude, "a way cool guy," and Betty, "a righteous surf bunny." Joined by Dude's dog, Bud, they head to the beach. Dude surfs, Bud catches a Frisbee, Betty soaks up rays, and then they all eat nachos and burritos (although Bud has to steal his). There's a glossary at the end for terms like "gnarly," "bodacious," and "Stokaboka." The appeal of this book is tied to the surfing milieu, the retro-hip slang, and the stylish artwork that recalls magazine ads of the early 1960s (as well as the "Dick and Jane" books, of course). Parents and grandparents may enjoy this more than the first and second graders who are the more obvious target audience. A book for larger collections or libraries with lots of surfing fans.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL