Gr 1–2 —Jim Panzee is planning a full day of fun when Oxpecker asks him to watch her egg. Jim sits on the egg for a long time and becomes bored. Some friends come and offer to sit on the egg in turns while Jim plays. He's finally happy, playing tag with Leslie while Norman sits on the egg. Then, he and Norman splash in the water while Leslie sits on the egg. The three friends are having lunch when they realize that no one is sitting on the egg. Jim and his friends look everywhere, including inside an alligator's jaws and under a slow-moving tortoise. Jim is anxious, but all ends well with a humorous twist. "Grumpy Monkey" is a bestselling picture book series, and this easy reader story set in Jim Panzee's world will engage new readers in preschool and first grade. Through the character of Jim, Lang and Lang explore situations and emotions in children's lives. Here, Jim's body movements clearly identify his emotions for young readers, and the size 20 font complements the large illustrations and vibrant jungle backgrounds drawn in primary colors. VERDICT Pair with similarly funny beginning readers, including Kimberley and James Dean's "Pete the Cat" series and Chris Van Dusen's "Mr. Magee" series.—Monica Fleche