From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 2—In a quest to be the happiest book ever, this interactive story has lined up lots of help. Dancing cake? Check. A candy parade and a flying lion? Yup. Now readers supply happy thoughts. All is well, except for the frowny frog. The book is super-duper happy, except for the frog, whose dour expression never changes. Entice a smile from him with a frog-centric riddle provided at the back of the book? (What's giant and green and hops around Tokyo? Frogzilla!) Nope, not even that groaner warrants a grin. Maybe we can just cover the frog with a Post-it note? No way, the sticky-tongued fellow makes fast work of that. The only solution is to kick the frog out of the book entirely. Now everybody's happy, right? Well, no, not exactly. Chasing Frog out of the book is just mean, and "being mean is not happy." In a forgiving mood, Frog comes back to the book and is given a balloon to make him content. Book, Frog, and readers have successfully made the happiest book ever! The volume is chock-full of colorfully wacky, doodlelike illustrations that employ a palette of yellow, orange, and bright blue. The book's "face" is surprisingly expressive, using only a few lines and shapes. VERDICT Fun for one-on-one sharing or a riotous time with a larger group, especially where other interactive titles are popular.—Sara-Jo Lupo Sites, George F. Johnson Memorial Library, Endicott, NY Read more Review PRAISE FOR BALLET CAT: THE TOTALLY SECRET SECRET*". . .Shea mines Ballet Cat's dialed-up enthusiasm and Sparkles's hangdog expressions for everything they are worth. Boldly contrasting backgrounds heighten the strong emotions at play. . ."―Publishers Weekly (starred review)PRAISE FOR DINOSAUR VS. SCHOOL* "School is no match for Shea's rambunctious, ever-confident red dino, starring in his fifth picture book. Shea's illustrations are as unruly and imaginative as ever in this pitch-perfect, egocentric take on living (school) life to the max."―Publishers Weekly (starred review)PRAISE FOR DINOSAUR VS. MOMMY*"Shea's buoyant, emotive artwork and sharp comic timing make Dinosaur's [sixth] story feel as fresh and funny as his first one."―Publishers Weekly (starred review)PRAISE FOR BALLET CAT: THE TOTALLY SECRET SECRET*"This early reader has simple, vivacious cartoon artwork done in inks with digital enhancements. Shea's signature style and bright bold colors add to the fun. . .the humor and theme of friendship and sharing will have broad appeal beyond the beginning reader set."―School Library Journal (starred review) Read more About the Author Bob Shea (www.bobshea.com) is the author of the first two books about Ballet Cat: THE TOTALLY SECRET SECRET and DANCE! DANCE! UNDERPANTS!, the Dinosaur vs. series, and several other picture books, including DON'T PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD and UNICORN THINKS HE'S PRETTY GREAT. He and his wife have their own design studio in Madison, Connecticut. Read more
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