Goodnight, Mr. Clutterbuck

Gr 2–4—One of Finland's most beloved characters, a sleepwalking goat by the name of Mr. Clutterbuck, makes his U.S. debut in this unlikely heroic tale. Kunnas, acclaimed Finnish children's author, creates a lengthy textual story surrounded by detailed cartoon illustrations reminiscent of Steven Kellogg's work, where exuberance bursts from each page and readers must invest in the small details to fully appreciate the story. This is no hardship, for quirky characters and expressive faces abound, enlivening Mr. Clutterbuck's world and the subsequent ridiculous antics that lead him to resolve conflicts. Mr. Clutterbuck begins his journey before the cover page, sleepwalking across the title page as his adorably exasperated pet, Gus the guinea pig, follows behind to keep him out of trouble. During the course of Mr. Clutterbuck's jaunts, he cuts a swath between rival motorcycle gangs in a speeding shopping cart, causes a dog riot at Wally Wurst's Sausage Factory, becomes a singing sensation at a hit band's recording session, engages in a dance marathon across railroad tracks, jumps on a series of dangerous rides at an amusement park, and inadvertently solves a crime that's baffled the local police for days. Upon awakening, he is continually surprised by his dishevelment. Each escapade brings resolution to others; for example, the rival gangs reconcile with each other and the dog riot helps Wally Wurst realize he should be making dog food, thereby saving his business. Readers will delight at the clueless hero's unintentional merits, as well as the humorous final twist.