CARLO LIKES READING

This giraffe hero's entire world is labeled with name tags; the text "Carlo reads his bedroom" accompanies newcomer Spanyol's opening full-bleed spread, which identifies everything from the stars on Carlo's mobile to the bunny slippers by his bed. But Carlo doesn't just read for his own edification. About midway through the book, following his mother's example, Carlo reads the labels as well as books to eager audiences (including a duck family). The vignettes don't fit together into a coherent narrative arc, and Spanyol's choice of an ending seems odd: Carlo is last seen galloping on a hillside in a completely unlabeled landscape, as if the author is finally giving the giraffe a break from all that literacy training. Still, Carlo's bright-eyed, plush-toy cuteness and Spanyol's sunny, acrylic palette make every spread appealing. And youngsters should get a giggle from the way the author deliberately goes overboard on her tagging, identifying not just objects but soap bubbles, spilt milk, "goo," various insects and even Carlo's dad's bottom. There's plenty here to inspire pointing and identifying action on the part of emerging readers. Ages 2-6. (Sept.)