WALTUR PAINTS HIMSELF INTO A CORNER

Gregorich returns to till the rich soil of idiomatic expressions she explored in Waltur Buys a Pig in a Poke (2006). Cleverly combining the literal with the idiom, channeled through the likable oafish Waltur, she explains three idioms in ways even the most literal reader can begin to understand. When Waltur, in his race to give a thank-you speech for a contest that has yet to be judged, moves his horse behind his cart to speed the trip along, the familiar saying’s meaning has never been clearer. Hilarious situations coupled with lively, quirky watercolor-filled pen-and-ink illustrations, make this a perfect, fun tool for teaching this literary construct. The final author’s note traces the idioms’ histories and a quick translation for any young reader who needs an explanation as clear as the nose on her face. Give Waltur another blue ribbon. (Picture book. 5-9)