Hardcover

Children's

In this picture book, rhyming verses take children through a collection of expressions, while watercolor illustrations show what would happen if the expressions were literally true. Some of the pictures work better than others. The image of the cool cucumber sitting on a lounge chair with an umbrella-garnished drink is a winner; the picture of a boy with large wings protruding from his rear (illustrating the phrase “flying by the seat of you pants”) is more awkward. Each page includes a rather sophisticated explanation of the origin of the expression in small font. These explanations may have limited interest to kids in the intended age group, and some of the featured expressions seem more likely to be used by an old guy who sits on his front porch whittling than by a modern mom or dad. Still, kids will enjoy the wordplay and the surrealistic illustrations. Grades 2-4. --Todd Morning