STALLING

It’s time for bed, so what does Dan do? Well, stall, of course! “Dominoes! Climb Mount Clothes! Cross the room on tippy-toes,” then “Writing! Knighting!” and some “Kung fu fighting!” So continues the spirited youth, nimbly jumping from antic to adventure over 12 double-page spreads (plus two bookending pages and one gleeful post-parental-swoon coda) of diversionary tactics. Complete with a bedtime twist, Katz’s exuberant, ebulliently punctuated tale is enhanced by Smith’s humorous art. Cartoon drawings intermixed with digitally collaged items create a visual rhythm for the catchy rhyme. Often the illustrator plays with scale—a miniature Dan rides a giant crocodile or races a ginormous snail—lending to the hilarity of the situation. The spontaneity of his drawings and corresponding use of negative space create bold and energetic compositions. Filled with joyful enthusiasm, zingy and contagious, this is one not-ready-for-bedtime story that will leave even super stallers in stitches. (Picture book. 3-7)