Toot and Pop!

PreS-Gr 1—Pop, an industrious tugboat, loves safely guiding the big boats from the harbor out to sea. When he meets enormous Toot, he's excited to help him, but arrogant Toot is sure he doesn't need assistance. He powers up and heads out alone, but all he manages to do is create havoc in the harbor and crash into the seawall. A chagrined Toot is scolded by the harbormaster and pulled into dry dock by Pop, who graciously accepts the bigger boat's apology by saying, "That's what friends are for." The text is incorporated into the illustrations by virtue of its placement, and large fonts are used for emphasis. Braun's uncluttered illustrations feature thick black lines, bright colors, expressive eyes, and understated smiles and frowns. The characters' eyes and speech are reminiscent of Thomas the Tank Engine and therefore might have a built-in fan base. A simple, straightforward story with an uplifting message.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH