Gr 2-3 Broad slapstick humor and galloping, Seuss-like rhymes are just part of the reason this sequel to The Cat on the Mat Is Flat (Feiwel & Friends, 2007) has strong child appeal. Denton's funny illustrations are full of action, and his use of stick figures and stink lines makes the book look as though it had been illustrated by a cheeky but talented kid. The type layout is peppy and appropriate, breaking the story up with words that shrink or become enormous as the rhymes dictate. The 10 brief stories allow for frequent pauses but also flow together well, with some unexpected and witty transitions. A few challenging words ("underwater," "squirm") make this a book for more-competent beginning readers. Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

Exploding cows begin and end these ten very short, kid-pleasing rhymed stories (which owe a debt to Dr. Seuss) for beginning readers. Slapstick humor and occasional edge (e.g., Mike's bike comes equipped with a long, nasty-looking spike) characterize the tales; the accompanying childlike black-and-white drawings add action and movement. Some type playfully shrinks and expands for emphasis.