Uh-Oh, Baby!

PreS-K—It is Mom's birthday, and young Rudy wants to give her something special. Every idea seems to end with an "uh-oh," as the gift falls apart, flies off, blows away, or turns into a muddy disaster. This almost-wordless picture book ends with a final success: a gigantic cake that the boy's grandfather helps him bake. What is puzzling is that the gifts Rudy creates are way above his skill level (he appears to be a toddler). It doesn't make sense that he would devise a huge topiary out of flowers or decorate a big birthday cake. It is wonderful to encourage imagination, but there is always a kernel of truth underlying crazy exploits. These just seem off target, although kids might love following the story by looking at the simple cartoon illustrations with their bright colors and simple lines.—Mary Hazelton, formerly at Warren & Waldoboro Elementary Schools, ME