ONE PRESENT FROM FLEKMAN'S

PLB 0-06-024531-X An overlong story features a girl who has the equivalent of a nervous breakdown at a toy store. Grampa invites Molly to come with him to the city; he offers to take her to Flekman’s, “the biggest toy store in the world,” where she can pick out a present. It’s no surprise that Molly can’t make up her mind: camera, teddy bear, doll, or one of many games. Molly tries out everything (store policy) while the salespeople are a spirited bunch who keep things at a fever pitch. So unstoppable is the girl that Grampa has to order out for lunch, all the while reminding her that she has a one-toy limit. Molly tries to piggyback toys on other toys; she attempts to stuff several toys into one bag. Molly snaps and goes wild until the forces of authority—who have seen it all before—are called to restore order. Molly ends up on a couch in the back room, a cool damp washcloth draped over her face, while Grampa collapses. Her choice of toy, then, is that homely washcloth, a decision that lands her a job on Flekman’s creative team. Readers will feel as punished as Grampa by the end; although Egielski’s illustrations—looser and with flatter perspectives than usual—are well-done, he doesn’t turn that washcloth into anything that will excite envy or understanding. (Picture book. 5-8)