I’M A MANATEE

A boy dreams he’s a manatee in Lithgow’s buoyant offering. “From time to time I dream / that I’m a manatee,” he says as water rises in his room. “Undulating underneath the sea / Unshackled by the chains of idle vanity, / A modest manatee, / That’s me.” When a massive manatee holds up a full-length mirror, the boy, now floating above his bed, sees the reflection of a manatee calf (“I look just like a chubby brown banana-tee”). Later, he “[sprinkles] seaweed on [his] Raisin Bran-atee.” Sophisticated and silly at the same time, Lithgow’s verse will keep kids on their toes. Meanwhile, Hoyt’s colored pencils, pen, and ink spreads overflow with humorous aquatic activity. Words and music are included, as is a sing-along CD. Pure fun. (Picture book. 5-8)