SASSY GRACIE

A read-aloud with some pretty convincing sound effects. Sassy Gracie is the cook’s helper, and she loves to prance about in her red shoes, which makes the cook crazy, because of their “Clunkety-Clunk!” When the cook’s away, the master of the house (his walking stick goes “Bumpety-Bump!”) tells her to roast two chickens for an important guest. While the chickens are roasting, Gracie kicks up her heels, and when they are golden and gorgeous, she decides to have just a taste, to see if they are done. Another taste and another lead to the inevitable. Gracie outwits both guest and master on the subject of roast chickens in a way perhaps not to be emulated, and falls upon her attic bed exhausted from food and dance. Gracie’s smile is the same bold black of the outline that delineates figures and objects; the master is resplendent in his leaf-green damask smoking jacket, and the kitchen is strewn with cats and stray produce. Strong colors, varied perspectives, and Gracie’s red shoes and wiry pigtails hold readers; although the story is oddly paced, and slightly mean-spirited, few preschoolers will be able to resist participating on the “Bumpety-Bumps.” (Picture book. 3-7)