Jubal's Wish
Pollyanna hasn't a thing on Jubal as the Woods' (The Napping House) passable story opens, "Once upon a bright and sunny day." This chipper bullfrog, "so happy his feet barely touched the ground," has a picnic to share. But his overworked neighbor, Gerdy Toad, is too busy with her brood of "toadlets," and Dalbert Lizard, a sad, washed-up sea captain, is not in the mood. When a wizard appears to grant Jubal a wish, the hero hopes for happiness for his pals. Alas, not only do they seem more miserable than ever, but black clouds, thunder and lightning darken Jubal's sunny dayAand his spirits. Luckily the storm precedes Jubal's fulfilled wish and a predictable, happy-ever-after conclusion. The wordy text grows flowery ("A splendid feeling of wonder moved up from his toes to the tip of his nose") and electric, computer-enhanced hues illuminate rather gaudy illustrations, which include several off-putting images of the bug-eyed amphibian and reptilian characters. Ages 3-up. (Oct.)Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.