KARATE PIG
by Alan Katz & illustrated by Daniel Moreton
Limping rhyme and a ridiculously overclever construction make this the board book to miss. Karate Pig, rendered in unpleasantly busy Saturday morning cartoon–fashion by Moreton, is a little unclear on the concept of sharing—he thinks breaking things in two (or more) pieces is the way to go. This enables the designers to incorporate sliding components that, when pulled, reveal text and images meant to complete the “jokes.” “Don’t look away, / or else this kid’ll / split the whole page / [pull to reveal punchline] / down the middle!” There is absolutely nothing to recommend this book to any audience. Any text that rhymes “kung fu and” with “ruined” should be taken out back and shot. (no one)