THE WACKY SUBSTITUTE

Unfortunately, Mr. Wuerst starts his day by dropping his glasses in the frying pan. They smell like bacon, but they’re broken. Just then, Principal Carter calls asking Mr. W. to come in to substitute for their kindergarten teacher. Mr. W. says yes, and thus begins a Mr. Magoo cartoon for a new generation. Mr. W. mistakes a mop for Principal Carter. He tries to read a cushion to take class roll. He thinks the gerbils are fur caps. Moreover, at the end of the day, he leads the class out to a fire engine rather than to their bus. Derby’s Mr. Wuerst is more confused and sleepy than wacky, but young listeners, especially one-on-one, will laugh at his mistakes. Herbert’s gouache illustrations, with their thick brown lines, bright colors and Peanuts style, are a bit flat, but they have a certain whimsy. A sweet addition to large collections, but strapped budgets won’t miss this one. (Picture book. 4-7)