SALLY AND THE SOME-THING

After mining the world of comics for his previous titles, O’Connor seems to have turned to old horror films for his latest inspiration. Granted, the Some-Thing doesn’t look exactly like the Creature from the Black Lagoon, but his fins and webbed feet evoke that particular monster, as does his upright stance. Sally, a red-haired moppet in overalls, is thrilled with the Some-Thing. She’s bored with her mom and younger sibling and the Some-Thing is decidedly “not boring!” Although their first efforts to play don’t work out, they eventually discover some mutually entertaining activities—a burping contest, for instance. O’Connor’s understated text creates a kind of deadpan humor combined with his colorful single- and double-page illustrations. Executed in what appears to be pen and ink and watercolor, the pictures have a charming cartoon feel. The woodsy setting with a small cozy cabin and lily-pad strewn pond provide a comforting counterpoint to the hilariously ominous appearance of the Some-Thing. The illustrations also feature plenty of quirky details to extend the story and entertain readers. In Sally’s words: “not boring!” (Picture book. 6-8)