Watch William Walk

From School Library Journal PreSchool-K. "Watch William walk with Wally./Wally welcomes/William's walks./Wally wiggles." This slight picture book is based on the author's challenge to herself, as cited on the book flap, to explore how far alliteration can be carried "to make a complete, logical sentence." Indeed, the sentences are logical, but the "w" repetition makes it tough to distinguish the characters and difficult to follow the story. Wally is a dog, William a boy. They are joined by Wilma, a girl, and Wanda, a duck. They all set off on a walk down the beach, but William and Wally become impatient waiting for Wanda to keep up. It's only when they get to the water that Wanda leaves the others in her wake. Pleasing watercolor-and-black-pen illustrations show the simply drawn figures; their footprints and shadows add interest and dimension to each double-page spread. Sunlit colors and an unusual overhead perspective make this picture book an interesting visual experience, but the word game is not dynamic enough to engage young readers. However, it may be welcomed by classroom teachers who seek vehicles to teach the letters of the alphabet.?Carolyn Noah, Central Mass. Regional Library System, Worcester, MACopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. From