``The one thing Billy Que had in common with the Dustdobbin who lived under his bed was this: they both hated brooms. So Billy Que never swept, and...the two of them got along fine.'' But then one morning the old man inadvertently steps on the fuzzy little dust creature and--like the traditional household spirits he resembles--Dustdobbin exacts retribution: he reduces Billy to ``pipsqueak'' size, and so he must stay until he's receives five unsolicited gifts. Those bumptious boys from Patron's Burgoo Stew (1991) happen by; appealing creatively to their naturally contrary natures, Billy elicits gifts that not only suit his doll-like size (bottlecap hat, folded gum-wrapper cup, etc.) but are just what might be found under a boy's bed (or a solitary old man's), along with the dust. Shenon's bold, witty illustrations are perfect for this comical, expertly honed story, whose brisk, colorful language begs to be shared aloud. (Picture book. 4-8)
