Rex Wrecks It!

Clanton (Mo’s Mustache) takes on the child who can’t help ruining other people’s things, keeping his story light and funny as Gizmo (a robot), Sprinkles (a pink rabbit with a unicorn-style horn), and Wild (a fuzzy yellow monster) enter from stage right pulling a wagon full of wooden blocks and set to work. Clanton understands the comedic possibilities of the page turn. When Gizmo builds a rocket, the next page shows the resultant chaos: “Rex wrecks it!” When Sprinkles builds a heart or Wild builds a Wooden Wonder of Wowdom, “Rex wrecks it!” Rex even wrecks the “awesomerific” block castle that the three build together. It’s Gizmo who realizes that if they include Rex in the building, the outcome may change. Sweet-tempered readaloud humor (“rawry,” Rex apologizes as he takes a bite out of a block) and Gizmo’s cerebral counsel (he explains his plans with blackboard diagrams) add charm, and it’s impossible to dislike Rex, who looks like a tiny, babyfied Godzilla—his destructive impulses may even spark a little silent cheering. Ages 3–7. Agent: Marietta Zacker, Nancy Gallt Literary Agency. (Sept.)