WHAT SHALL WE PLAY?
by Sue Heap & illustrated by Sue Heap
A trio of children plays imaginative games until a twinkling of a fairy wand weaves a magical transformation. Lily May just wants to play fairies, but her friends Matt and Martha have other ideas. Each time the topic of what to do arises, her pals veto Lily’s suggestion. Here Heap (Cowboy Kid, not reviewed, etc.) offers young readers a subtle lesson in cooperative play; even though Lily’s idea is rejected several times, she eagerly participates in the activities, exhibiting grace and patience. The group’s games include being trees, automobiles, felines, and even some Jell-O. Ultimately, Lily May’s virtuous patience is amply rewarded when, with a sweep of her wand and the utterance of “abracadabra,” the children become airborne sprites. Heap’s colorful illustrations are a combination of acrylics, wax, and pencil crayon drawings, with the addition of collage for the fairy magic. Her comic portrayals of the three as they ingeniously interpret the various concepts contain a hearty dash of silliness that will resonate well with preschoolers. A wonderfully fanciful tale that celebrates the inventiveness of children at play. (Picture book. 3-5)