CROSSWALK WALLY

After a mishap, a sign attempts to cross the street safely in this picture book.

When the truck carrying Wally, a crosswalk sign being transported to a “brand new crosswalk” at the “corner of Main Street and Pine,” hits a bump, he flies into the air and lands on the sidewalk. Without his yellow diamond background, Wally is just a black silhouette. He laments: “I don’t know where I am…I have to get back to my sign!” A hiking sign informs Wally that the corner of Main Street and Pine is “just down the road” but that he “must cross the street” to get there. Wally searches for a sign that will help him cross safely. But various signs, including a deer crossing sign, a stop sign, and a slow sign, are unable to assist. They urge Wally to keep going and “try the next sign.” Wally worries he’ll never reach his destination until he spots his blank yellow diamond right across the street. After a fellow crosswalk sign guides him there, Wally plants himself on the diamond and begins assisting pedestrians. Through an unlikely but personable protagonist, Shea’s story offers valuable insights regarding communicating, being aware of surroundings, and recognizing the street signs that keep people safe. The author’s approachable language and visual examples will help familiarize readers with commonly seen street signs and symbols. Giles’ pleasant, cartoonish illustrations show street and city backdrops with details like loopy clouds.

An engaging, informative story emphasizing the importance of street safety.