Woodpecker wants a waffle

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2016

Review

Benny the woodpecker is woken up by the smell of waffles from the newly opened Moe's Diner. He doesn't know what a waffle is, but when he sees one through the window, he knows he wants one. After knocking politely, trying to sneak in and donning numerous disguises that doesn't get him a taste, he enlists the help of the forest animals. They each give him a reason why woodpeckers don't eat waffles. Each excuse involves the first letter of the animal's name matching the food. "Raccoons don't eat ravioli." "Coyotes don't eat cupcakes." After brainstorming some ideas, Benny comes up with a plan that outsmarts both the somewhat racially diverse group of diners and animals. Breen's understated cartoon ink, watercolors and colored pencil illustrations provide slapstick to Benny's waffle obsession. Benny has the attitude of Mo Willem's pigeon while the waitress works a four-tier beehive hairdo and cat-eye glasses. Serve this up at story time for giggles, laughs and letter recognition. Libraries beware: book may be returned sticky!

Overall Book Score: excellent