eSchool-Grade 2--Montes takes children on an amusing romp in rhyme through the great outdoors, as woodland animals of all sorts scamper around trying to find Gabbler the Goose's egg, which has disappeared from its nest. After several misadventures, the creatures regroup and, by working together, rescue the egg. "Soon-CRUNCH!/CRACK! from the Egg/popped two legs and a rear./`Count our blessings!' cried Gabbler./`Our Baby is here!'" Against a predominantly light-green background splashed with bright flowers, delightfully humorous watercolor illustrations document the antics, portraying the comical consternation of the various animals with panache. The verses scan well and suit the nature of the story, making a sparkling read-aloud, Egg-citing.-Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LANAPOLI, Donna Jo & Marie Kane. Rocky the Cat Who Barks. illus. by Tamara Petrosino. unpaged. Dutton. 2002. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-525-46544-8. LC number unavailable. PreSchool-Grade 2--When Rocky's elderly owner can no longer care for him, the little dog is sent to live in a home with two "little monsters" and five cats that mistreat him. Although he is unhappy and terrified of the other animals, one day he does manage to muster up the courage to rescue two of the cats from the abusive children. To Rocky's surprise, this show of bravery wins him the favor of the five felines. The story effectively captures the animal's anxiety. Through Petrosino's angular cartoon drawings, readers will feel the terrified pup's unhappiness and will be appalled at the meanness of the kids as they prepare to stuff two of the cats into a backpack. Most pages are set against a splash of peach-colored background with white framing. While it isn't clear whether the children have learned a lasting lesson, Rocky has definitely earned the cats' affection.
Cathie E. Bashaw, Somers Library, NY - from Amzon