A bossy chicken demands that listeners introduce themselves.
A question-and-answer format challenges the toddling audience to identify with various animals. The energetic interrogation opposes questions in conventionally sized type and answers in a teeny-tiny font. “Are you a cow?” “No.” The pattern breaks when hippos lumber into view. “You are not a HIPPO. / You are small. They are big.” A perpetually grinning bear and upside-down chicken prompt negative reactions, and then a penguin appears. “Are you a penguin? You're not? But wait! / You must be YOU! Now isn't that great!” This exuberant call-and-response and mostly repetitive format keep the pages turning with brio. The wacky characters dominate each page with puzzled, endearing expressions, and cross-eyed stares add a further dollop of humor. Boynton has perfected the art of creating developmentally appropriate books for babies that keep their parents engaged too, and this is no exception.
Tots will be thrilled at the chance to use one of their favorite two-letter words (“no!”) over and over again. (Board book. 1-3)
