Does a Bulldozer Have a Butt?

As a light-brown-skinned father and child walk to school through a city that visually references San Francisco, an important question arises: “Which things do and don’t have butts?” Wilder’s (The Longest Letsgoboy) “super smart and wise” Dad is totally game to dialogue on the subject, and in rhyme: “Does a scarecrow have a butt?/ Yep, you stuff him with a straw one./ And does a crayon have a butt?/ Nope, but it can surely draw one.” In addition to the discussed derrieres, which range from that of the titular bulldozer to those of a Sasquatch, zombies, and aliens, readers can spot many more bottoms rendered playfully in Steele’s (All Eyes on Ozzy!) ink line and bright washes. The transgressively funny concept (plus plentiful puns and mentions of tush utility) will no doubt win over the target audience, but even more important is the portrait the book offers: one of a world in which questions serve as a common bond, curiosity is amply rewarded, and variety is the spice of life. Ages 3–5. Author’s agent: Jenna Pocius, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Erica Rand Silverman, Stimola Literary. (May)