Tucker Over the Top
PreSchool-K-Tucker is a playful West Highland terrier, similar to Rosemary Wells's McDuff. In the first book, the author blends the use of prepositions with Tucker's activities on a hot summer day. The pup goes "off his rocker," literally, and jumps in front of the fan. From there, he goes onto his skateboard. His adventure continues as he seemingly travels the globe via taxi, flying carpet, parachute, and raft, ending up back in his rocker where he started. In the second title, Tucker's nose for adventure takes him to the circus. He ends up as part of an act in order to earn his favorite treat, popcorn. Then he decides that the circus life is not for him and goes home, where his owner returns from a party with a surprise- popcorn. The cool background colors with lots of empty space create energy for the charming canine as he bounds across the pages. The use of multiple Tuckers to portray movement may require explanation for the youngest readers. Overall, though, he is an appealing character and these small-format books will undoubtedly find an audience.DeAnn Tabuchi, San Anselmo Public Library, CACopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.