Sticky, Sticky, Stuck!

PreS-Gr 2—Dad's texting, Mom's on her computer, Brother is listening to music or playing video games, and Sister's talking on her cell phone. No one has time for little Annie. So, when she wants a snack and no one is available to help, she decides to make it all by herself. One peanut butter-and-honey sandwich coming up, or down onto the dog, in this case. The pup gets stuck in the muck and Annie sticks to the dog. Mom comes to help but gets caught in the mess. When Father, Brother, and Sister each try to pull the family apart, it's no use-they all end up stuck together. Becoming too tired to complain about their predicament, they finally reach for the phone, dial the fire department, and yell for help. But, since this is the first time in ages that the family members have gotten together and are communicating with one another, they find that they aren't in any hurry to get unstuck. A bit wordy, with an over-the-top goofiness, the silly story, illustrated in large, bright watercolors, delivers its blatant message to 21st-century families. A bit obvious, but all in good fun.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI