AXLE ANNIE AND THE SPEED GRUMP

Type-A lead foot Rush Hotfoot is the nemesis of Axle Annie’s school bus in Pulver’s droll poke at all those drivers who feel a creeping road rage when they get stuck behind Big Yellow, the vehicle that can’t get off its brakes. Every morning, Hotfoot comes roaring up behind Annie’s bus; the children have come to look for him as he streams by, grabbing a quick shave, picking his nose hairs, blatting his horn, popping beads of sweat: “Here comes Rush! Bearing down fast! Driving full blast!” Annie confronts the menace, even calls the cops on him after a particularly outrageous display, but to no avail. Only after his own life is threatened, and his sorry rump is saved by Annie and her bus, does Hotfoot mend his ways, opting for a tricycle with helmet. Arnold gives the story a good, frenetic twist of the tail with his high velocity artwork (his bug-eyed people are perfect for these roles), while Pulver tempers the insanity of Hotfoot’s behavior with little puns at his expense, and showcases Annie’s level-headed, big-hearted protectiveness. (Picture book. 4-7)