What a Hoot!

As she did in Hot Dog, Cold Dog (2014), Preston-Gannon uses an animal and some peppy rhyming to highlight a range of activities, opposites, and interests. The verse is initially as precise as a classic nursery rhyme (“Owl is dirty./ Owl is clean./ Owl is blue./ Owl is green”), though it breaks down a bit later on (“Owl who pushes./ Owl who pulls./ Owl is big./ Owl is small”), deflating the fun somewhat. Even so, there are several entertaining moments along the way—an “owl who stands out in the crowd” wears a top hat and bowtie as it tries to blend in with some penguins. Ages 2–5. (June)