Whose Bum?

January 1, 2019
Alternating pages show the posterior and then the anterior of a variety of creatures.Pen-and-ink cartoons of each animal appear against highly saturated, solid-colored backgrounds with white-lined outlines that give hints as to their environs. The blue lizard's posterior appears over a medium-green backdrop on the recto as the white, lowercase text reads "whose bum?" With the turn of the page, readers learn the answer as they see, from the front now, the lizard clinging to the same white-outlined tree branch against the same color background as the previous page. The pattern continues with animal after animal until finally readers see a diapered backside, and the page-turn reveals it belongs to a baby with an ochre complexion and a wisp of black hair. Tougas' cartoons are pleasingly round, if a little serious of expression (few are shown smiling), and consistent in shape. Nevertheless, most of these critters, which include a turtle, a bunny, a puppy, and teddy bear, are distinct enough to be easily recognized.Pleasingly cheeky. (Board book. 1-3)

COPYRIGHT(2019) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.