Rhyming Dust Bunnies

December 1, 2008
“We rhyme all the time!” declares one of four googly-eyed dust bunnies, ebullient in their palette of bright solid colors and Smurf-like bodies. Three of the shaggy critters promptly strut their stuff, reeling off words that rhyme with “car.” But the fourth shouts, “Look!” Is he just a dimwit, or could he know something the others don’t? The silly, eager-to-please dust bunnies occupy most of the space on the square pages; the silliness, the scale and large dialogue balloons combine for a party-hearty mood. Although a little sketchier than Thomas’s previous works, such as What Will Fat Cat Sit On?
, this book is just as funny and snappy-looking. Ages 3–5.

November 15, 2008
This dynamic quartet of dust bunnies, Ed, Ned, Ted and Bob, have quite the flair for rhyming words —except for anxious Bob, who is wisely more concerned about their perilous surroundings. In response to each rhyme, Bob dramatically declares that their enemy draws near: " 'rug ' / 'hug ' / 'mug ' / 'LOOK OUT! ' " Unfortunately, each of Bob 's pleas falls on deaf bunnies ' ears. Ned obliviously responds, "Bob, no … 'LOOK OUT! HERE COMES A BIG SCARY MONSTER WITH A BROOM! ' does not rhyme with ANYTHING, really. " When the inevitable occurs, with a dramatic "Thwptt, " the threesome finally listens to the rational hero, providing a powerful punch line. Thomas 's digital illustrations, stark against her solid, colorful backgrounds, successfully accentuate the witty text. The shaggy dust bunnies are boldly contrasted, as their colors —green, purple, red and blue —extend past the thick lines into the ever-so-slightly-less-red background. With their wide noses, long ears, four-fingered paws and buck teeth, these fuzzy characters are a riot. Put away your cleaning supplies for a little messy fun. (Picture book. 3-6)

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