Please, Mr. Panda

Mr. Panda, though he’s a picture of tubby fuzziness, defies the friendly panda stereotype (for one, he has a permanent glower). He offers a box of iced doughnuts to a small penguin, who says, “Give me the pink one.” “No, you cannot have a doughnut,” growls the panda, turning his back on the shocked penguin and lumbering away. “I have changed my mind.” He offends a series of animals in similar fashion until a lemur pokes its head in. “May I have a doughnut... PLEASE, Mr. Panda?” While Mr. Panda doesn’t warm up, the “please” nets the lemur the entire box of doughnuts. Smart design decisions by Antony (Betty Goes Bananas) distinguish his visual storytelling. The warm gray backdrop and parade of black and white animals (a skunk, an ostrich, an orca) make the candy-colored doughnuts look all the more tantalizing. Novel perspectives, including an upside-down scene when the lemur makes its appearance, provide freshness, too. Children who remember to say “Please” will know right away what’s up, and those who don’t will not mind the reminder. Ages 3–5. (Jan.)