EVERYBODY SAYS MEOW

It’s really a simple instruction: Say “meow!”

The leader of a group of cavorting kitties looks out at readers and declares, “Welcome to that magical time when everybody says, ‘Meow!’ ” All the kitties comply, but a pup leans in from off the page to say, “Woof.” The lead kitty patiently repeats the instruction, but the pup can say only “Woof.” The kitty gives in and amends the instruction: “Everybody says, ‘Meow’ [and] one guy says, ‘Woof.’ ” But then a frog leans in, croaking, “Ribbit.” After a short froggy interview, the instruction is changed again, now accommodating dog and frog. However, a “Quack” from a duckling in a hat disrupts the process yet again. So the final instruction is: “Welcome to the magical time when everybody says whatever they want!” That goes fine…but a “ROAR” startles everyone, and they all scatter, leaving a little lion to wonder if it said the wrong thing. Readers never learn the reason why this is “the magical time” to meow in Lombardo’s foolish furry picture book, but little listeners will likely enjoy the constant animal interruptions. The pleasantly silly illustrations feature simple, cartoon creatures with huge eyes and a two-dimensional appearance cavorting on a green lawn. The messages of inclusion and acceptance are welcome.

Maybe not a first purrchase but an enjoyable addition to noisy storytimes.