OSCAR

A small sock monkey tackles the big city in an attempt to save the day in this husband-and-wife collaboration. Oscar lives with his two best friends, Susie and her rabbit, Cottontail. On the morning of the school pet show, Oscar finds Susie has forgotten the key to Cottontail’s cage. Accustomed to taking care of her and her belongings, Oscar realizes it’s up to him to get the key to Susie’s school. He uses a map to plan his route and sets off on the subway, where he cleverly dodges several potential obstacles. But when he distracts a bully so his victim can escape, he is captured himself. He cunningly devises a way out, finds Susie and drops the key into her pocket. Schwartz’s brightly colored illustrations will be familiar to New Yorkers—from the subway cars and map to the fruit displays outside the bodegas. Readers will enjoy looking for Oscar in the city scenes. Throughout, Oscar keeps his head and stops to smell the roses, even when their thorns could prove prickly—an important subtle message about problem solving and the power of a positive attitude. (Picture book. 3-7)