Mister Momboo's Hat: 2

An elephant's hat takes off on adventures of its own.

PreSchool-Grade 2-- The adventures of an ordinary blue hat--which first belongs to a well-dressed elephant and ends up as a bird's nest--are told in this story that has the surprise element of unpredictability. Rhyming sentences give the story a definite rhythm that is both suitable and well-paced for reading aloud. Children may be inspired by seeing the many purposes this hat serves--helping a friend or keeping a horse cool--as they see where the hat has been and the reasons it moves on. Cartoonlike illus trations featuring elephants of all ages are done in soft, dreamy pastel watercolors, giving the story a satisfying warmth and bringing out its humor. Readers or listeners will be delighted by the attention that has been paid to clothing and prop detail. A book that can also serve as a springboard for creative dramatics and extending the imagination. --Judith A. Galganski, Reinstein Memorial Library, Cheektowaga, NY
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Mr. Momboo is a dapper, mustachioed elephant and his "very fine hat" is a blue fedora. As Mr. Momboo steps jauntily out his door one day, briefcase and umbrella in hand, a breeze snatches the hat from his head and sends it sailing. A simple rhyme describes the uses given the hat by the animals that find it: the hat becomes headgear for a hobo, a horse and a scarecrow; and is made into a toy, a boat and, finally, a bird's nest--right outside a delighted Mr. Momboo's door. Bassett's watercolor settings--streets, fields, streams--are lively and inviting, but her animal characters, particularly when depicted in action, are rather stiff. Ages 2-5.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.