A Greyhound A Groundhog

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

Review Date: June 13, 2017

Review

Recommending this picture book for cream of the crop consideration. Jenkins presents the words "greyhound" and "groundhog" in wordplay and rhyme, with movement and tongue-twisting sounds that is both playful and infectiously comical. A greyhound that is sleeping is introduced and a groundhog peeking out of a burrow is introduced, each in their own space. Their two worlds collide in a fast-paced, joyous chase that only briefly is stopped when a butterfly flutters into their line of sight. The rambunctious play is quickly renewed when a field of butterflies erupts into the air. Through a bog, looking in a log and round, and round, and round...until they drop from exhaustion. Appelhans' watercolor and pencil illustrations provide action, humor, and character within a minimalistic lay out. The text matches the action expressed in the illustrations by flitting across the page, going in circles and being spaced in a balanced way that complement and support the actions of the characters. Perfect for a story times.

Overall Book Score: excellent