PINK MAGIC

Nick and his toy rabbit, Pinky, are dejected because his sister Eva is getting a lot of mail for her birthday. He wants something great and pink to arrive in the mail just for him, never mind waiting for his birthday. Eva’s wish on her birthday cake is for just that. The next day Mr. Moon, the mailman, pulls out a watermelon for Nick from his pouch; next, he delivers a flamingo; the day after, a passel of pigs. Even though Nick and Eva have fun with his pink surprises, playing in the kiddy pool with the flamingo and holding pig acrobatics, Nick is still disappointed because his mail isn’t like Eva’s from Uncle Bob that said, “I love you.” But remember Pinky? One clever sister and a pink envelope bring smiles to everyone. Collage-and-acrylic illustrations create a layered and molded look for the round faces, mustachioed mailman and pink creatures, with page composition that accents the drollness. Receiving mail is a very big deal for this age group and versatile Napoli delivers an amusing story stamped with her whimsy that integrates a favorite toy, brother-sister bond and imaginative play—and it works like a charm. (Picture book. 4-7)