THE FABULOUS FLYING FANDINIS
by Ingrid Slyder & illustrated by Ingrid Slyder
The Fabulous Flying Fandinis move in down the street from Bobby. At the urging of his parents, Bobby goes for a visit. The Fandinis' big Victorian abode, bereft of stairs or walls, is a grand circus venue. Bobby is urged to give the trapeze a whirl (``No way. I might get a nosebleed'') and, on subsequent visits, invited to breakfast on a trampoline (``I might get queasy'') and jump from a high dive (``I could catch a cold''). Finally he confesses, ``I might look stupid.'' ``Not if we show you how—just ask!'' offer the Fandinis. Bobby relents, dances upon a clothesline, then gets shot home from a cannon in time for dinner. One of the toughest admissions a child (or adult) can make is handled by newcomer Slyder with aplomb, and the nonjudgmental, welcoming atmosphere—the Fandinis are a kindly lot as well as iconoclasts and superb artistes—allows Bobby to let down his guard. Generous good fun, enriched by Slyder's enthusiastic, extraordinarily detailed artwork. (Picture book. 4-8)