Animalicious: A Quirky ABC Book

Longtime partners Duncan and the late Dewdney introduce make-believe animals with names that integrate wordplay, puns, and double entendres. “You think you know your animals?/ Here’s some you’ve never seen—/ some day you may encounter them/ or see them in a dream,” an opening poem reads. Boldt illustrates the puckish animals in scribbly, crayonlike textures that amp up their buffoonery: a red “raindeer” holds a yellow umbrella; a gray “Hippopotamess” sits on a messy floor; and a green “Knocktopus” wears blue boxing gloves on two of his eight arms. The book finds a sweet spot between silly and literal that can be fun to puzzle out; readers may be inspired to create their own bestiary. Ages 4–6. [em](Apr.) [/em]