%% This is a multi-book review. SEE the title Sweet Potato Pie for next imprint and review text. %% (Reviewed Aug. 1996)

PreS-Gr 2-"Willful...unusual...possessing a wild imagination"--the rollicking rhymed exploits related in this book demonstrate the truth of these definitions for "contrary." A wiry tan-skinned boy with spiky red hair and mischievous eyes describes his deeds and delights. He bathes in spinach and collard greens and runs across the ceiling when his mother mops the floor. He wears pizza on his head and a blueberry beard. For breakfast, he likes fried rice and peanut butter; for dinner he has broccoli ice-cream a la mode. Six-line stanzas, one for each large double-page spread, are printed in a variety of type faces, colors, and hand-drawn letters. Reinforcing the zany writing are marvelous full-color ink illustrations. Large areas of flat color provide backgrounds for the boy as outrageous newborn, chef, rock star, and astronaut. Furniture, windows, and houses are tilted as if to say "something is out of whack here." This kid will appeal most especially to a preschooler's sense of humor. When he says "if you do not like me, you just haven't met me yet," most readers will agree.--Nancy Seiner, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh COBB, Annie. Wheels! illus. by Davy Jones. 32p. (Early Step into Reading Series). CIP. Random. 1996. pap. $3.99. ISBN 0-679-86445-8. LC 94-48884. K-Gr 1--Cobb utilizes short, repetitive rhymes that feature less than 10 words per page. The book's total vocabulary is around 35 words, printed in large type. A note to parents explains how to best use this book, and the series. Jones's cartoon style paintings show a world of soft, rounded edges, smiling multicultural faces, and bright colors. In-line skates and helmets on bicyclists accurately portray today's urban setting. The illustrations provide clues to the text, but do not replace it. For example, "Grand wheels" is illustrated with a Cinderella-like coach. A worthwhile purchase for libraries with a demand for very easy readers.--Sharon R. Pearce, San Antonio Public Library, TX