The Long, Long Line

Is there anything more tedious than waiting in line? Luckily for the 50 animals in the line of this book’s title, something pretty great awaits them at the end. Each animal is labeled by name and number; #50 is a tiny green frog, preceded by a lizard, mouse, and mole. As often happens in line, small conversations pop up: “What’s this line for?” asks a weasel. “What, you don’t know?” replies a hedgehog. As the animals increase in size, Ohmura provides occasional food chain–based humor. “Please keep the line moving!” chirps a gray bird that flits across the pages trying to maintain order. “But I’m scared,” says a worried-looking sheep, #23. A page turn reveals why: #22 is a drooling wolf. The answer to the big question is provided in a foldout spread, and the animal it involves needs all four pages to fit. It’s a whimsical and witty tour of the animal kingdom, one that even includes an idea or two (like word games) to help children pass the time when they’re stuck waiting at the grocery story or amusement park. Ages 3–7. (Aug.)