A rambunctious class of second graders loses and finds their guinea pig, gets a new teacher, successfully completes camouflaged English and math lessons, and has their class picture taken, all in a day’s work. The scene opens with the principal trying to gain control of the students—their teacher has yet to be assigned—and having little effect: cartwheels are being turned, clothes are being flung about, general chaos ensues. Gradually they’re mustered to the auditorium to have their class picture taken, but discover that Elvis, the class pet, is missing. This sends Olivia into a swivet; no smile can be coaxed from her, and without a smile, no class picture. Mr. Click, the photographer, devises some games for them to get Olivia’s smile back, which include silly words and the measurement of Olivia’s growing smile (which evolves into a great, gap-toothed grin). This is a good and busy book without being frantic, funny without being dopey, with nothing-but-blue-skies color and declarative black outlining. Here is that rare bird: cultivated anarchy. (Picture book. 4-7)
