Uh-oh, Baby!

February 4, 2013
Rudy (last seen speeding around the house naked in Catch That Baby!) is determined to give his mother a birthday gift that will make her say “Wow!” To his ongoing consternation, such efforts as a splendid block tower and a giant topiary dog that would make Jeff Koons green with envy are consistently upstaged by the family dog’s ongoing pursuit of a ladybug—which, not coincidentally, was Rudy’s initial gift. Mom is so distracted by the mild domestic mayhem that she responds with “Uh-ohs” instead of the desired interjection: “Wow!” The story’s rhythm feels erratic, and readers may wonder why Mom is so dense, especially when Rudy is clearly a candidate for the gifted and talented program. On an individual basis, however, Nash’s frames reveal him to be something like a latter-day Ernie Bushmiller—and, yes, that’s a compliment. In addition to a linear shading technique that evokes engraving, there’s the same quirky formalism-meets-comics sensibility at work, with strong graphic shapes, bold black outlines, and flat colors delivering the kind of visual punch devotees of Nancy savored every Sunday. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Edward Necarsulmer IV, McIntosh & Otis.

February 1, 2013
Coffelt and Nash (Catch That Baby, 2011) join forces again to give readers another glimpse into the topsy-turvy world of an endearing toddler named Rudy. In this offering, readers watch as shaggy-haired little Rudy attempts to give his mother a special surprise--a ladybug. When the ladybug flies away, he tries (with the help of his family members) some other strategies to impress her, creating a gigantic tower of blocks, a sculpture made of flowers and an enormous portrait. Each time he's ready to reveal his surprise, however, the family dog, which is still after the ladybug that got away, destroys Rudy's creations in a mad, bug-chasing frenzy. Rudy keeps trying, finally wowing Mom with a big, pink cake. Words are minimal here, appearing in square dialogue bubbles; the story is conveyed through the appealing art, which, with its understated palette and quaint-looking characters, evokes the feel of an old-fashioned comic strip. Children will enjoy studying the pictures to figure out the sequence of events, spotting the ladybug as it careens across the pages and rooting for Rudy to finally succeed. A sweet, simple story featuring a tenacious tot who is easy to love. (Picture book. 4-8)

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February 1, 2013

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

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