I COULD BE, YOU COULD BE

What would you like to be? To a little boy and girl everything and anything is possible. They joyfully throw themselves into every fantasy. They can be kings or queens making all the rules. How about being a fierce dragon or a parakeet, or maybe a chimpanzee? Clowns, space aliens, astronauts, ponies—there’s no limits to the imagination here. Of course, “the best thing I could ever be …is me!” Owen celebrates make-believe with simple rhymed text in abcb form that begs to be shouted in rhythmic sing-song. Barroux’s double page spreads are rendered in acrylic and pencil in the brightest of hues, with large bold-face type in varied musical styles that complement the action. The cartoonlike style captures the fantastical nature of the children’s games. They are just as joyful and creative when they are just being themselves, playing outdoors, reading and drawing. The children are depicted as Peanuts generic, which only enhances their universality. Endpapers continue the fun as the children fly off in rockets to the clouds. An afterword gives instructions for making masks and make believe. A great read-aloud for both parents and teachers and sure to spark great ideas and "what-ifs." (Picture book. 2-7)