FICTION

Where's the Baboon?

by Michaël ESCOFFIER
Where's the Baboon? illus. by Kris Di Giacomo. 40p. Enchanted Lion. 2015. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781592701896.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 3—As three white mice follow a sign to school, they invite readers to "search for hidden words!" A series of questions are asked, and the answers are hidden in the final work with visual clues; putting the letters that appear in a different color and font size together provides the solution. For example, a pig holding a paintbrush in front of a splattered canvas is the artist who "made this painting." The word painting is presented in black, but the letters P, I, and G are slightly larger and in red. Animals filled with personality cavort and play across the well-composed pages. A muted palette enhances the humor and invites readers to closely examine the affable pictures, which also hold the answers hidden in the words. The only one missing appears in the final chaotic, joyful spread: "baBOOn!"
VERDICT This fresh and festive book encourages not only wordplay but careful examination of illustration sure to please readers of any age.
Reviewed by Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at District of Columbia Public Library
Three curious mice head to school on a "search for hidden words." Answers to their questions--e.g., "Who brought an apple?"--are found by combining letters printed in red: ape from apple. The droll illustrations provide lots of support as well as visual humor. In the end, the animals gather for a birthday party, including--surprise!--baBOOn.
 , Dec 01, 2015

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