Buzz

Early morning is full of busy, buzzing activity. Seen from the perspective of a small boy in rocket and moon pajamas, it's an exciting time. The activity reaches a frenzied pitch when Mommy grinds her coffee, our hero makes a splash landing with his airplane in his apple juice, the toast in the toaster pops up, and the clothes dryer finishes its cycle. Buzz, buzz, buzz!

Using a variety of printmaking techniques and a rich, muted palette, Margaret Chodos-Irvine creates strikingly appealing patterns and perspectives on a morning routine. Chunky blocks of color encourage the eye to linger and catch the details: the boy "shaves" next to his father with his toy car; the honey-sucking bee wears delicate filigreed wings; and banana peels sprawl in the foreground as the boy and his mother make a shake in the blender. There's a retro feel to the illustrations, especially when Mommy buzzes out the door in her big 1950s-style swinging coat and oversized pocketbook. Young readers will be all abuzz over Janet S. Wong's original, just-right morning book. (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie Coulter