CAPTAIN BOB TAKES FLIGHT

“He was Captain Bob, and he was the finest, fiercest flyer that ever flew the cloud-cluttered skies. He feared no one, not even the curly-headed Control Tower who called out his orders: ‘Clear the runway!’ ” But Bob will do the job of cleaning his room his way, the fun way, and that means imagining he’s flying an airplane. Outfitted with goggles, flying gear, cushioned cockpit, and cardboard box–like plane, Bob is up, up, and away. This companion to Captain Bob Sets Sail (2000), in which he’s the “bravest, best captain who sailed the Soapy Seas” (taking a bath), is even more delightful than the first. Cepeda’s color-saturated, full-page oil paintings depict just the right amount of spunkiness, disorder, and aerial points of view. The Control Tower is, of course, Bob’s mom, and an understanding, loving mother she is. How refreshingly clever and child-like Bob’s sky-high antics are. Playfulness with type adds swirls and loops to the text layout. Captain Bob’s inventive venture to cleaning his room is charming. Every youngster, whether hopeful pilot or not, will soar right along with Bob on his flight of fantasy. What’s next, Captain Bob? (Picture book. 4-7)