A Very Cranky Book

A scowling book narrates this quarrelsome story by married collaborators Angela and Tony DiTerlizzi. “I don’t want to be read today, so pick another book,” a blue hardcover announces at the start, explaining that it is “very cranky.” Suggesting alternate actions for readers, the tome becomes even more irritable as other works—including an abecedarian, a monster title, a kitty board book, and a pink edition with wings—gather for story time. It soon changes its tune, however, while witnessing the enthusiastic commentary that the reading inspires. Depicted as a photograph with big eyes and brows doodled on top, Cranky stands out against muted digital drawings of a child’s playroom. In a concluding monologue, the querulous protagonist pivots to appreciation (“Wow, thanks for sticking by me, pal”), unexpectedly driving home the importance of readers to books. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)