Peterrific

Peter, younger brother to the star of Kann’s Pinkalicious books, moves to center stage in this mild spin-off. “I never get to do anything by myself,” he says, explaining that he is going to build a block tower alone—one tall enough to reach the stars. Peter supplements wooden blocks with toys and various household items, and the eclectic structure adds a tacit search-and-find component to the book. Pinkalicious supports Peter’s efforts, supplying him with mountains of wooden blocks, a telescope, and a box of crackers “just in case” he discovers that the moon is made of cheese. Proudly surveying the world far below from the top of his completed tower, Peter crows about his newfound independence (“I didn’t have any chores in my tower. No one could tell me what to do”) until darkness falls and he realizes that he’s cold, lonely, and without a way to get down. Peter’s ambitious undertaking and the underlying messages about self-confidence and determination should appeal to readers, but the unspirited narration and dialogue don’t let his story shine. Ages 4–8. (May)