Hooray for Bread

PreS-K—A rhyming text and sunny illustrations describe a single day in the life of a loaf of bread. From the first early-morning slice eaten by the baker to the final bit discovered by a mouse long after the baker's family has gone to bed, the slices are turned into toast, sandwiches, snacks for the ducks in the park, and crumbs for the neighborhood birds. After each animal receives its treat, a full-page refrain appears ("Hooray-Woof, Woof-for bread!" says the dog). Pen and watercolor illustrations have a charming retro feel and a friendly pastel palette in a scale perfect for sharing. Unfortunately, the concept seems thin and the rhyme is often labored: "The next two slices made a pair/With butter, cheese, and ham/A sandwich for the baker's boy/And the baker's boy's dog-Sam." In spite of the appealing illustrations, this book is full of yeasty possibilities that just never rise. Additional at best.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library