The energetic sequel to Look! A Book! (2011) picks up just where the last one ended.
With the same welcoming die cuts and sparkling graphic style, Staake's creativity and humor are front and center here. From the opening pages, readers know what's to come. "Now open up this crazy book, / grab a seat—and have a LOOK!" Readers will take a lot more than just one look at these absorbing pages. The solid-colored pages are graced with small die cuts that reveal little tidbits of the busy scenes hiding on the following spreads. Sometimes the page turns make the images blend seamlessly into the busy new scene in a pleasing way, allowing readers to wonder how the illustrator pulled that little magic trick. The die cuts themselves also seem to disappear with the page turn, leading readers to touch the pages to find the circles and to prove that they are still there. Each scene is a familiar one, but closer inspection reveals surprising details. On the school page, a sasquatch cavorts on the playground, an alligator acts as crossing guard, and a one-eyed green monster peeks around the schoolhouse. Art lovers will love the very hip museum scene, filled with familiar, iconic images. Even the copyright page has an inside joke for the careful observer.
The jaunty rhyme and easy-to-decode words make this a perfect choice for the new reader. (Picture book. 4-12)
