The KnitWits Make a Move!

K-Gr 1—It is difficult to pinpoint the worst feature of this ill-conceived book. Is it the trite narrative? The coloring-book background illustrations? Or the dorky, hand-knit dolls that represent the five members of the KnitWit family? As their name implies, the main characters are indeed of the knit-and-purl variety. The father looks like a big blue H with no arms. Little KnitWit is a tutu-clad blob that shares the same affliction. Baby KnitWit is a small ball of yarn. That leaves Mrs. KnitWit and her cross-eyed son, Big, to hold all the props as they go about their business of settling into a new home, baking a cake, and entertaining guests. The running joke is supposed to be that these witless creatures take everything literally, so when they ice the cake, they put it in the freezer. When they straighten up the house, they line up everything in rows. And, when they serve snacks, Mrs. KnitWit uses a tennis racquet to toss pretzels and cupcakes around. These silly characters are photographed and slapped onto brightly painted but static background scenes, so that they don't really look as if they belong there. It is doubtful that the story or pictures would hold children's interest. Amelia Bedelia does not have to worry about competition.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT