Watch out For These Weirdos

Wanted posters introduce a gallery of offbeat characters, including Erin "Starin" McCarron who looks in people's windows and Bob "The Slob" McCobb who was once buried under the mess in his room.

Grade 1-4-- In the manner of post office "Wanted" posters, neighborhood children are identified by their aliases, features, and latest crimes. William "Silly Willy" Barilli has hair with "Gum in it," eyes that are "Crossed a lot," and is wanted for "Not sitting quietly and paying attention." Opposite each posterlike page is a larger color drawing of the child in question interacting with the others as they congregate for a birthday party. The last pages caution readers not to "say anything bad about them . . . Because they're my friends." Kline has a good time playing with words and has clearly observed the foibles of children. The pictures are bright and add considerably to the text. Unfortunately, the children are never more than exaggerations of character traits. The book is fun, but is nothing more than the sum of its parts. --Carolyn Polese, Gateway Community School, Arcata, CA
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Erin "Starin" McCarron, Ryan "Cryin" O'Brien, and "Tattlin" Madeline Brown are just a few of the hilarious characters who parade through the world of this picture book's hero. Each of the kids has his or her own set of peculiarities, spelled out in a "WANTED" poster that includes Age, Height, Latest Crime, and Approach with Caution. Kline's silly text and Carlson's stylized illustrations are directed toward a child's slapstick humor; the book avoids cruelty since the narrator says at the end, "But don't say anything bad about them . . . because they're my friends." Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.