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The literal-minded lad who worried so hilariously about losing his Parts (1997) returns for a series of anxiety-inducing encounters with figures of speech. What exactly do people mean by asking him to lend a hand, promising that a joke will crack him up, or telling him to stretch his arms and legs? How, exactly, is he supposed to hold his tongue? Does a friend’s baby sister really cry her lungs out every night? In Arnold’s cartoony illustrations, the pop-eyed narrator envisions the disastrous results of taking these expressions at face value, then proceeds to strap, wrap, and glue himself up, just to be safe. The gross-out factor is toned down for this sequel, but young readers who find Amelia Bedelia a trifle too self-possessed will warm to this neurotic young rhymester. (Picture book. 6-8)