The Simples Love a Picnic

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 31, 2014

Review

The Simples are a simply typical family; Dad, Mom, Ben, Lulu, and the pets, Rocco and Dizzy. When Dad suggests a picnic, the kids are excited, as they have never been on a picnic. However, when Lulu hides Dizzy the cat in her backpack and decides ice cream would be a good addition to the picnic lunch, Rocco the dog starts chasing squirrels, Mom is struck by a frisbee, and ants and birds decide to invade, the whole endeavor falls apart. What to do, what to do. In the end, Ben comes up with a solution that satisfies all and embodies the true spirit of a picnic. With pictures involving different textures, bright colors and lots of patterns, the illustrations and text jibe well. Children will be able to discern what is taking place. This will make for an amusing readaloud and children could ponder what makes for good picnic food; soup? spaghetti? eggs? The kids will be laughing out loud. I definitely recommend this title, especially during picnic season.

Overall Book Score: very good