Stop That Stew!

PreS-Gr 2—Forgetful Mr. Winkle prepares a pot of stew. Looking for someone with whom to share it, he drives off to visit a friend, with the pot sitting on the roof of his car. While he motors along the winding roadway, two canines catch a whiff of the delectable dish and run along behind the auto. As this cumulative tale progresses, a dogcatcher, the pups' owner, and police join in pursuit, but for differing reasons. Then Mr. Winkle remembers that his friend is away. Upon returning to his house, he cannot find his stew pot until the followers point out where he left it. The grandfatherly gentleman generously invites his new friends in for a homemade repast. Mahy's writing style flows smoothly, and the repetitive text will bolster new readers' confidence, and Rigby's comical, full-color artwork reinforces the action. Young readers will chuckle when they spot the pot of stew on the rooftop long before Mr. Winkle does. Rigby sprinkles in details like a vanity license plate. With the exception of one spread, the text and illustrations appear on opposite pages, with plenty of white space surrounding the type. Mahy's storytelling and Rigby's humorous artwork merge into a cohesive, entertaining easy-reader.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH