Why Not? - Softcover

Mary Wormell’s most recent book, Bernard the Angry Rooster, was hailed by Publishers Weekly as “a model of graceful artistry.” She resides in Selkirk, Scotland.

PreSchool-Grade 1-It's a familiar litany in households with young children: A parent warns, "Don't do that," and the child responds, "Why not?" That exchange provides the basic story line for this simple and effective book. A curious kitten, Barnaby, follows his mother across the farmyard on the way to the house for supper. "Don't chase the chickens, Barnaby!" she warns. "WHY NOT?" he asks as he chases them. "Because I'll chase YOU!" the rooster answers, and he does. This leads the little rascal to similar exchanges with horses, sheep, and birds that gently chase him away, until, ultimately, he becomes stuck under some bales of hay. The conclusion is satisfying as the tables are turned and Barnaby does not want help from the other animals: "WHY NOT?" they ask, surprised. Children will cheer as the tiny kitten extricates himself. Wormell's large, well-defined woodblock illustrations are surrounded by plenty of white space and beautifully complement the story. In some instances, they provide part of the narrative, and children who cannot read will delight in retelling the story from the visual clues. In an appealing combination of large woodcut designs, large print, and a simple repetitive story, Wormell offers a book that very young children will love.
Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI
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