Mister Horizontal and Miss Vertical

K-Gr 2—Mr. Horizontal and Miss Vertical are an adventurous pair. He "loves everything that glides," while his female counterpart "loves launching herself into orbit." On alternating pages, the particular preferences of each character are highlighted. Mr. Horizontal likes activities such as rollerblading, boating, or cycling, that take him across the land or sea toward the horizon. On the contrary, Miss Vertical prefers activities that will take her up high, such as climbing stairs, washing the windows of a skyscraper, or blasting off in a rocket. Intriguing images within the text of the characters' favorite pastimes, like floating in the ocean, doing yoga, climbing trees with koalas and riding in hot-air balloons, contrast sharply with the simple but striking illustrations. On each spread, the predominantly black-and-white figure of Mr. H or Miss V, dressed in appropriately corresponding stripes, stands out against a solid background in which the large, bold text complements the spare, geometric design of the illustrations. The story ends with a question, "Now what do you think their child will love?" and the accompanying picture of a child wearing a checkered shirt provides the answer. Inspired by a photograph of a French family dressed in contrasting geometric patterns, which appears on the last page, this clever concept book will capture children's imaginations.—Linda L. Walkins, Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Boston, MA