The Missing Tarts (Viking Kestrel picture books)
The Knave of Hearts's theft of tarts launches the Queen of Hearts on a search that involves Jack and Jill ("Let's look up the hill"), Old King Cole ("Not in my bowl"), Old Mother Hubbard ("Check the cupboard") and other Mother Goose characters. Finally, with everyone joining the hunt, "Here's a clue!" said Little Boy Blue, as he holds out a tart. The Knave, who proves himself a soft touch, has fed the tarts to all of the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe's children. Hennessy, who last imagined The Dinosaur Who Lived in My Backyard , has turned a familiar nursery rhyme landscape splendidly upside down, in verse that sails along. She is generously aided by Pearson's zany, racing gangcherubic faces adorn this happy crowd, well-placed and well-paced throughout. Ages 3-8.Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.