Just What Mama Needs

May 1, 2008
PreS-KEach day of the week, Abby dresses up to assume an exciting identity. The pup's equally imaginative mother welcomes these fancy flights, each time exclaiming, "Just what I need," and then makes use of the experiment of the day. When Abby is a pirate, she and mom "swab the decks." When she announces that she is a witch, they concoct a delicious brew called soup. On Sunday, when Abby is herself, her mother's response remains the same, with a cuddle for good measure. Glenn's descriptive text and use of onomatopoeia provide an ideal read-aloud. A "Yee-haw!" on the cowgirl page and three wishes when Abby's a genie will keep youngsters guessing what this engaging dog will try next. Hirao's collage and colored-pencil art, expressed on a variety of paper surfaces, alternates stark views as Abby introduces a costume, followed by busy scenes of her imagination and the real-life labors. A view of "rounding up livestock" (two escaped hamsters) is especially comic. Young listeners will take pleasure in finding Abby's lithe black cat, which appears in the larger scenes. There's something to please nearly everyone in this tale."Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2008
Abby the dog loves to play dress up and to help her mama. On Monday, shes a pirate in an eye patch and striped shirt who helps Mama swab the kitchen floor decks. On Tuesday, shes a detective in sunglasses and overcoat who helps find missing clothes. On Thursday, shes a witch in black dress and pointy hat who helps mix up a delicious brew. But on Sunday, Abby, in her favorite shirt, is just herself. An Abby! says Mama. Thats what I need most of all. Charming and affirming, this picture book celebrates imaginative play and an affectionate mother-daughter relationship. Simple, descriptive prose incorporates brief dialogue and occasional lively sound effects, and the warm collage art in vivid hues portrays Abby in diverse settings, both real and imagined. Kids will enjoy fun, engaging Abby and the reassuring message.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)