The wacky dust bunnies return, now terrorized by an intimidating gray ball of fanged fuzz instead of the vacuum cleaner (Rhyming Dust Bunnies, 2008). Friends Ed, Ned, Ted and Bob try engaging their tormentor in their rhyming game, but unfortunately, this bullying dust-ball won’t play nice. Exclamatory dialogue rendered entirely in speech balloons provides punchy flair. “What rhymes with fit?” Ed and co. ask; “I know!” the big, mean dust bunny snarls, “SIT!” as he squashes them into accordioned fuzz. Apprehensive Bob continually expresses concern; his meek warning (“cat!”) proves futile, and the powerful feline crushes their dusty foe—though the menace eventually transforms his wicked ways. The visual narrative maintains sharp pacing throughout. Thomas’s signature digital illustrations utilize stark dark lines and bright color splashes with a quirky exuberance. Expressive faces steal the show as the characters’ thick eyebrows, protruding noses and untamed fur react to each hilarious circumstance, demonstrating that a little dust is well worth the mess. (Picture book. 3-6)
