BUMBLEBEE GRUMBLEBEE

A series of animal “before and after” scenes told through single-word puns.

What’s a buffalo after it comes out of the tub to dry its fur? Why, a “fluffalo,” of course! How about a rhinoceros after it drops its ice cream cone? A “crynoceros”! Elliot’s simple illustrations show each animal before and after an inciting event, its original and punny new name the only description. The real accomplishment of this astounding board book is that an entire story is conveyed through just two words, one of them being the animal’s name. On one spread, the verso depicts an excited, eager hamster who spots a full jar of jam; on the recto, the jar’s contents now nearly drained, drips of sticky sweetness cover a full and satisfied “jamster.” Elliot’s soft watercolor and pencil illustrations play deftly with light and shadow. Carefully rendered expressions, body language, and movements give each animal its own personality. His original approach to storytelling and wordplay for toddlers makes for a charming story. The book ends with a gleefully chaotic image of a hose-wielding turtle (“squirtle!”) spraying the other animals. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Delightful images and carefully selected text combine for a silly, innovative, entirely enjoyable read.