WODNEY WAT'S WOBOT

Wodney Wat, the lovable rodent who cannot pronounce the r sound, receives a remarkable robot as a birthday present (Hooway for Wodney Wat, 1999).

This pile of metal can do something that Rodney cannot: It can parrot his speech, correcting the pronunciation. Rodney is having great fun with his new metal companion when the enormous bully, Camilla Capybara, returns. Camilla explodes into the room, terrifying everyone, including the teacher. When the robot malfunctions, developing a RRRRR roar, Camilla’s weaknesses are exposed, allowing Wodney, assisted by his sidekick, to send her rolling out the door. Munsinger’s over-the-top illustrations are the star here. A deft use of humorous expressions on every rodent face will allow young readers to ally with beloved Wodney as he negotiates the challenges of school: ordering wibs and wice (ribs and rice), exercising on the wings (rings) at PE and adding 2+1. With his wobot, it’s a snap! Poured into her pink dress, Camilla bursts onto each spread, the pages barely able to contain her. When she is scared, her size is reduced, a fine visual clue to her diminishing power.

This sequel will be embraced by youngsters who struggle with their speech and need some hints on how to handle the capybaras in their lives.