FICTION

Worst in Show

by William BEE
illus. by Kate Hindley. 40p. Candlewick. Jan. 2015. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9780763673185. LC 2013955945.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1—Albert wants to prove that his lovable pet monster is the best pet in the world, so he enters Sidney in a televised competition. The categories are hairiest warts, highest hover, most parasites, smelliest farts, and hottest breath. Whichever creature receives the most points will win. Sidney does terribly and loses every round. Although Albert is initially embarrassed, he realizes that some contests aren't worth winning, and, in the end, he's happy to have such a great pet and to set a new record for "Worst in Show." The pencil and paint cartoons are digitally colored and depict a television studio brimming with activity and details. Overall, a fun and pleasing tale.—Laura Hunter, Mount Laurel Library, NJ
Albert enters his pet monster into the Best Pet Monster in the World Competition, but Sidney is too clean, kind, and timid to win any of the categories and instead is awarded Worst in Show. The conceit is silly and offbeat, and the story follows a vague pattern for each contest category. The illustrations have an old-timey vibe with hints of Sendak's influence.
Reviewed by Laura Hunter , Nov 01, 2014

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