Louis

Gr 5 Up—Night Salad continues the story of lovable Louis and his mechanical bird, FC. While working outside, the child trips and falls, upending FC's cage and spilling a bottle of chemicals. FC is seriously injured,and the youngster becomes distressed, eventually feeling ill himself. Weeping, he hovers over his friend, wondering what to do. He writes to his aunt for advice, reads a story to FC, and consults with a doctor. Distraught, Louis eventually falls asleep. His dreams take him to a fantastical place in search of the fruit of the raining tree to help his ailing pal. When he awakens, he finds his friends at his bedside and FC recovered. Is the story a dream, a story-within-a-story, or part of his anxiety-induced illness? While the language is simple, it seems to suggest more. The Technicolor images are vibrant and luminous and accentuate the dreamlike quality of the story. The charming figures are endearing, with heartwarming touches and clever language. Like Charlie Brown, Louis seems destined to win devotees worldwide.—Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY