The Loud Book!

The colors are a bit brighter and the type is set all in caps, but this sequel to The Quiet Book stars the same gang of fuzzy creatures and is every bit as charming. Many of the "louds" are found in school—there's "WALKING-TO-SCHOOL SONG LOUD" and "BURP DURING QUIET TIME LOUD." Playful details abound; the bowling bear who makes a strike ("GOOD CRASH LOUD") in one panel is seen bowling on a fuzzy TV screen in the next. A father rabbit who's watching TV hears a dreadful noise in the kitchen ("BAD CRASH LOUD"); careful inspection reveals that the small rabbit sitting on top of the television is reading The Quiet Book. Liwska's artwork, as always, is noteworthy for its depth and warmth. The expressions on the faces of her animals convey community, even intimacy; they often appear to have been deep in conversation just before being interrupted by a deafening crash. Fans of the first book will be delighted to extend their bedtime reading time with the second, and they'll welcome the chance to pump up the volume. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)