The Legend of Messy M'Cheany

K-Gr 2—In a singsong rhyme, Gifford tells the story of the messiest kid in town, who is legendlike in his ability to create chaos. Messy M'Cheany spills food everywhere, overturns the fishbowl, farts and then picks his nose, and has a limitless talent for attracting dirt. His parents think he's cursed, but things start to change for the cleaner when baby sister Missy arrives. She is saintlike in her desire to be clean, neat, and speak politely. "Messy burped and wouldn't say sorry./Missy said, S'cuse me, see you tomorry.'" In a final showdown, Missy shows mercy toward Messy and curtsies. It is her use of the word "please," though, that "brought Messy to his knees" and leads to his redemption. The accompanying CD contains two songs, including "The Legend of Messy M'Cheany." Unfortunately, this story works better as a song. In book form, the rhymes are often forced and awkward. The acrylic-and-ink cartoon illustrations are humorous, but overall this picture book is a marginal purchase.—Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA