HURRY GRANNY ANNIE

A rollicking cross country sprint with their energetic grandmother leads siblings Ruthie and Joe and their friend to a wondrous discovery. Spying Granny Annie racing past, the children abandon their pursuits to join the chase; intrigued by her cryptic refrain—“Can’t be late. Catching something. Something great”—the children speculate as to her goal. Heightening their interest is the fact that each time Granny Annie is about to explain where she is headed, she is interrupted and consequently distracted by a giant sneeze. Alda (Arlene Alda’s 1 2 3, 1998, etc.) gives the tale an upbeat tempo, right to the surprising destination—at land’s end overlooking an ocean sunset—that provides a foil to the chase. The loveliness of the setting sun overcomes the children’s initial disappointment, providing them and readers with a reminder of the joy found in simple things. Aldridge’s watercolors, done in shimmering golden hues, illuminate the beauty of an autumn sunset; she also includes whimsical elements for astute observers. (Picture book. 4-8)