Children's books reviewed By Molly DeCleene For the News-Chronicle Arnie, the Doughnut Written and Illustrated by Laurie Keller Copyright 2003 Ages 4-8 There is not a word in existence that would adequately describe author-illustrator Laurie Keller's work. Calling her picture books whimsical and colorful would be accurate, but the adjectives would still fall short. Keller's award-winning books are not so much running narratives as they are dramas, with a multitude of crazy characters. "Arnie, the Doughnut" is no exception. Arnie is a fabulous-looking confection. He's round, he's frosted, and he's adorned with brightly colored candy sprinkles. And Arnie is proud to be a doughnut. He spends his first day at the bakery looking around at his fellow doughnuts and trying to make friends with them. Although Arnie is sweet (literally and figuratively), he is also a bit naive. When a certain Mr. Bing buys Arnie from the baker, the doughnut thinks he is to be Bing's companion, not his morning meal. Can Arnie change his fate? You will have to read "Arnie, the Doughnut" to find out. And you won't be disappointed. Why? Because Keller's illustrations are a feast for the eye. Blossom and Boo Stay Up Late: A Story About Bedtime Written and Illustrated by Dawn Apperley Copyright 2002 Ages 4-8 It's a desire nearly every child has: To stay up past his or her bedtime to see what goes on late at night. Best friends Blossom (a rabbit) and Boo (a bear) possess this same curiosity, and decide one night to act on it. Blossom and Boo find their woodland home a bit frightening in the dark. The shadows of tree limbs look ghostly, the late-night conversation of bats sounds ghoulish, and the dark seems so - well - dark. Still, the friends make the most of their nocturnal exploration. And after a deep and restful sleep, they decide that daytime play is more fun. Apperley's adorable illustrations will charm readers, regardless of whether they are night owls. Thanks, Mom Written and Illustrated by Ed Emberley Copyright 2003 Ages 4-8 Ed Emberley is an artistic genius. The creator of the Ed Emberley drawing book series and the classic picture book "Go Away, Big Green Monster!" has a remarkable way of taking simple geometric shapes and primary colors and turning them into visual masterpieces. "Thanks, Mom" is a fun romp through a circus with a most unexpected ending. A clownish-looking mouse named Kiko spies a delectable piece of cheese. Happy with his snack-to-be, Kiko scampers homeward until he runs into Gato, the circus cat. Uh-oh, Kiko. Gato gives chase to Kiko until she happens upon Fido, the circus dog. Uh-oh, Gato. The action quickly builds until an unlikely hero sets things right. Will Kiko escape, unharmed, with his cheese? Read "Thanks, Mom" and you'll see. The Best Place to Read Written by Debbie Bertram and Susan Bloom Illustrated by Michael Garland Copyright 2003 Ages 4-8 I am the type of person who can read almost anywhere: While I'm standing in line at the supermarket, in my car as I'm stopped at railroad tracks, at work, at home, in my doctor's waiting room ... you get the idea. Still, I, like many other lovers of literature, have a favorite place to read. It's a comfortable place that is free of distraction. The charming protagonist in "The Best Place to Read" is looking for just such a place. He tries to read everywhere: In his room, in his grandmother's chair, in his older siblings' rooms, on the front lawn. But no place is suitable. The chair in his room is too small for his growing body. The family dog is sleeping in his grandmother's chair. And his brother's and sister's rooms are just too noisy. Fortunately for the eager reader, his mom is nearby with the absolute best place to read: On her lap, where they can share a story. Illustrator Michael Garland, who has written and illustrated books including "Last Night at the Zoo" and "Icarus Swinebuckle," has created glorious illustrations that beg to be poured over again and again. "The Best Place to Read" will warm readers' hearts, and more than likely will encourage them to share a book with someone theylove. DeCleene is a children's librarian for the Ashwaubenon Branch of the Brown County Library. Her favorite children's book is "Mirror of Danger" by Pamela Sykes. If you have comments or would like to suggest a book for review, please contact her at [email protected].