What’s That in the Water?

Animals living “at the mouth of the river, that flows to the ocean” are fearful of a “monstrous” creature in their midst. “I bet it has scales and a deafening roar,/ with pincers and fangs that can bite you, for sure!” says a pop-up shark, ironically baring its own teeth in the process. In the end, the terrifying creature turns out to be a tadpole. Mansfield’s focused gray and blue palette and chunky characterizations keep the thrills and chills on the light side, and the greeting card–size format is just right for small hands. Readers will probably overlook the fact that a shark and octopus are unlikely to be river-dwellers. Available simultaneously: Who’s Who in the Woods? Ages 3–6. (Oct.)