Oswald - Hardcover

Dan Yaccarino has written and illustrated many books for children, including the uproarious fable Deep in the Jungle. He is the creator of Oswald, the preschool series on Nick Jr.® His work has been featured in magazines, newspapers, ad campaigns, and animated television commercials. His large-scale paintings have been exhibited in galleries in New York City, Tokyo, and Rome.

PreSchool-Grade 2-Oswald and his pet hot dog, Weenie, make the big move to the city. The octopus is nervous about making new friends but Weenie is confident that they'll do just fine, which turns out to be true. The precipitating factor in meeting a whole slew of city folks is the runaway piano that Oswald and Weenie are trying to move up the stairs of their new home. Before they know it, a penguin, a daisy, a snowman, and others are lending a hand. Each helper utters a unique exclamation, and soon there is a chorus of "'Umph, umph,' said Oswald. 'Bark! Bark!' said Weenie. 'Hoo-wee,' said Daisy," and so on. Preschoolers can join in on the refrain especially since the story is lengthy. The computer-generated artwork is postmodern 1950s. As in Yaccarino's An Octopus Followed Me Home (Viking, 1997), the text and deep pastel images float upon crisp white backgrounds. The city skyline is actually made from common objects such as a fishbowl and a rocket in clever disguise. If your patrons are fans of the Nick Jr. preschool program, Oswald the Octopus, this is a necessary purchase. Otherwise, other books on relocating and making friends such as Judith Viorst's Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move (Atheneum, 1995), Robin Ballard's Good-bye, House (Greenwillow, 1994), or David McPhail's A Girl, a Goat and a Goose (Scholastic, 2000) are more accessible to most preschoolers.
Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.