Lamby Lamb (Thingy Things)
PreSchool-Grade 1-Black line illustrations partially filled in with color appear on pastel pages in these slight stories. In Doggy Dog, Raschka tries to show all the things a dog is not: a cat, a lampshade, etc. The book concludes with the statement that Doggy Dog is just that, a dog. In Goosey Goose, readers are warned that if they cross the goose, they will be in big trouble. In Lamby Lamb, the narrator uses some reverse psychology in order to get the young animal dressed. Snaily Snail is the best entry of the four. In a warm and endearing way, it shows the nature of unconditional love. Despite the use of simple words and little text, Raschka has overshot an intended preschool audience. Even with adult explanation, youngsters are unlikely to comprehend the abstract allusions. The lack of any kind of story in these offerings results in a flat presentation.Meghan R. Malone, Turner Free Library, Randolph, MACopyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.