Coffelt and Nash (Catch That Baby, 2011) join forces again to give readers another glimpse into the topsy-turvy world of an endearing toddler named Rudy.
In this offering, readers watch as shaggy-haired little Rudy attempts to give his mother a special surprise—a ladybug. When the ladybug flies away, he tries (with the help of his family members) some other strategies to impress her, creating a gigantic tower of blocks, a sculpture made of flowers and an enormous portrait. Each time he’s ready to reveal his surprise, however, the family dog, which is still after the ladybug that got away, destroys Rudy’s creations in a mad, bug-chasing frenzy. Rudy keeps trying, finally wowing Mom with a big, pink cake. Words are minimal here, appearing in square dialogue bubbles; the story is conveyed through the appealing art, which, with its understated palette and quaint-looking characters, evokes the feel of an old-fashioned comic strip. Children will enjoy studying the pictures to figure out the sequence of events, spotting the ladybug as it careens across the pages and rooting for Rudy to finally succeed.
A sweet, simple story featuring a tenacious tot who is easy to love. (Picture book. 4-8)
