WAKE UP, WILLIAM!

by Anita Riggio ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1987

In an almost wordless picture book (save the reiterated title, plus ""William won't wake up!""), a small boy pretends to sleep, standing, while siblings and pets try vainly to wake him. Before the story begins, William has shared his plan with the reader, with a sly wink and shushing finger. An ice-cream cone proffered by a smaller child is the first incentive, followed by ice, a smelly fish, and various forms of slapstick and din involving big sister, dog, and cat. Of course, when they all give up, William bursts forth with a terrifying leap--and then the whole crew plots the same trick on Dad. A slight story, but Riggio's clever pencil catches every nuance of expression with the simplest of line; the family dynamics are truly funny and true to life.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Atheneum

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1987

Categories: CHILDREN'S