ICE CREAM

Cooper is a master at transforming dabs and wiggles of paint into people at play (Ballpark, 1998) or architecture (Building, 1999) or vistas (Country Fair, 1997). Starting with cows—a lot of cows—he tells the tale of ice cream as it happens, from the milking, to the processing, to the blending and tasting. Children (and adults, probably) will be fascinated by the scientists concocting recipes, the taster with the gold spoon whose tongue is insured, and the final journey back to the farm for the farmer’s delivery of ice cream. There’s also a last glimpse of all those cows: “The driver gets out and gives a few cartons to the farmer. The farmer thanks him, then walks out to the field, and eats ice cream with his cows. Well, he lets them watch.” The text slithers through the conveyor belts and around the machinery, emphasizing a particular worker or process. Nearly invisible labels point out important and silly features for hide-and-seek game playing: “crows,” “olive grove,” “hole in the wall.” A chocolate, vanilla, and berry palette adds to the taste appeal. (glossary) (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-9)