The Biggest Boy

From Publishers Weekly Even though this collaboration lacks the inspiration of some of the Caldecott Honor artists' previous work, its soft cadences and peaceful wind-down recommend it as a bedtime readaloud. Tafuri's (Have You Seen My Duckling?) unadorned, large-scale watercolor and black-ink pictures depict protagonist Billy as quite big indeed, while Henkes's (Owen) straightforward text relays how the preschooler can now eat with a fork, get dressed alone and even help with the dishes. Billy, impressed with his powers, predicts that he'll be the "biggest boy in the world." Much to his delight, his parents' imagination takes wing: they describe-and pictures playfully show-how Billy will grow so big that he can wear his house like a vest, hang a rainbow around his neck, etc. At last Billy climbs into bed and-in a satisfying scene that will elicit knowing smiles from youngsters-is once again convinced that he's "the biggest boy" when he stretches his fingers toward the window and measures their size against the full moon, which appears "no bigger than a marble." Sweet and simple. Ages 3-up. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal PreSchool-K?Billy, who is growing and gaining in competence, wonders what it would be like to be the biggest boy in the world. Together he and his parents laughingly imagine him as big as a house, able to move the clouds by blowing on them, to wear a rainbow like a necklace, to toss the sun like a ball, and so on. "'But right now' says his mother, 'you are just the right size for a big boy your age.'" The good-night ritual in this intimate portrait concludes with Billy tucked into his cozy bed. The child looks out his window and holds up his hand, seemingly holding a marble-sized moon between his thumb and forefinger, confirming in his mind that he really is the biggest boy. While the text does not possess Henkes's trademark wit, its language is good humored and pleasing. The repetitive rhythm and pattern make it an excellent read-aloud. Tafuri's idealized, flat style is recognizable. Her strong, assured line reinforces the safety and stability of Billy's world. Unsaturated blue is the predominating color, lending an atmosphere of serene sheltered tenderness. Billy's world is clean, uncluttered, and idyllic. He has loving parents who have time to spend with him, his toys are educational and tidy. It is a disappointing omission that in an otherwise nurturing family, there is no sign of a book, not one story in the bedtime routine. Otherwise, this is a gentle and reassuring selection.?Kate McClelland, Perrot Memorial Library, Greenwich, CTCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.