Pantaloon

May 10, 2010
Jackson's (Tawny Scrawny Lion) venerable Little Golden Book title, first published in 1951, has worn well. It seems like a simple proposition: the baker needs help with his éclairs and pastries, while black poodle Pantaloon is eager for employment. But the baker is not fooled. "Oh no, Pantaloon!" says the baker. "You look to me as if you'd eat more than you'd bake!" His suspicion is justified; next Pantaloon dresses up as an old woman in order to get in the door and nearer those pastries. New illustrations by Salerno (Harry Hungry!) retain the innocence of old four-color Golden Book spreads; the baker's big chest expresses his cocksure attitude, while Pantaloon's small pink tongue gets a good workout amid the lavishly decorated pastries. Only an unexpected accident shows the baker that Pantaloon can be trusted after all. "Why, where's Pantaloon?" all the customers ask when the baker returns. "How you must miss him!" The surprise ending incorporates a message on a cake; even better, Pantaloon is transformed—believably—from impulsive prankster into a responsible and passionate baker. A delicious treat. Ages 2–5.

April 1, 2010
PreS-Gr 2-This newly illustrated story (originally published by Golden Bks. in 1951) recounts the madcap efforts of a pastry-loving poodle to be hired at a local bakery. Pantaloon, zipping around the city on a shiny red bicycle and decked out in snazzy striped pants, answers a Help Wanted sign only to be rebuffed, even in clever disguise. But when Baker lands in bed, bruised and bumped from tripping over Pantaloon's misplaced bicycle, the remorseful pup swoops in to save the day by completing all the orders. Pantaloon is an overnight sensation with the customers, who clamor for his return. Baker pleads for Pantaloon to come back in letters on a giant cake in the store window, and they become "the two happiest bakers in the whole world." The final illustration, a coda to the text, bears a visual clue to Pantaloon's inevitable success. While the story line is slight and often contrived, the stylized, retro-looking full-color illustrations are snappy and appealing, and breathe new life into this classic for another generation. A worthy choice for storytime read-alouds."Kathleen Finn, St. Francis Xavier School, Winooski, VT"

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