A DAY AT THE MARKET

Bright, cut-paper–style illustrations compensate for decidedly patchwork rhyming in this affectionate tribute to Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Using a large board-book format with some shaped edges and die-cut holes, Anderson depicts faceless figures setting up early morning stands of fruits and vegetables, fish, flowers and bread—then presents glimpses of crowds of passing shoppers, viewing the variety of goods on display or stopping for (what else?) coffee: “Time for coffee, / cocoa too. / Two percent— / what’s your moo? / Freshly ground, / roast aroma— / better than / a cup at home-a.” The shoppers give way at day’s end to a cleaning crew, clearing the way for the next morning’s rush. Despite some specific signage, the setting is generalized enough to stand in for similar markets almost anywhere, and the kaleidoscopic art nicely captures both the venue’s characteristic bustle and its rich sensory experience. (Picture book. 5-7)