Starry Safari - Hardcover

LINDA ASHMAN has written many acclaimed picture books, including Rub-a-Dub Sub, To the Beach!, and Babies on the Go. She lives in Denver, Colorado.

JEFF MACK made his publishing debut with Rub-a-Dub Sub by Linda Ashman, and has since illustrated We're Rabbits! by Lisa Westberg Peters and James Howe's Bunnicula and Friends beginning-reader series. He lives in Easthampton, Massachusetts.

PreSchool-Grade 1-An entertaining tale in which a girl's vivid imagination whisks her away to Africa. The text begins, "Racing in my sturdy jeep-on safari! Beep! Beep! Beep!" Zebras, giraffe, water buffalo, and a crocodile are some of the beasts she encounters. The large, double-spread acrylic illustrations humorously depict her adventures with the creatures, some friendly and some not so. The child is quite capable of fending for herself until, "Uh-oh. Footsteps. Greater danger! It's the Big Safari Ranger." While Dad is tucking her in again, the collection of toy animals scattered over the bedclothes reveals where all those fancies originated. Bold words such as "SCREEEEEECH!" "YIKES!" "CRASH!" and "ROAR!!!" are clear indicators that a reading just before bedtime may wake a child up rather than lull one to sleep. The richly colored pictures and constant action make this a good choice for storytime. Ashman's Sailing off to Sleep (S & S, 2001) has a similar, though quieter, ending while this title is a rip-roaring, exciting excursion.-Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI
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