THIS BOOK STINKS!

Readers meet babysitter Finn the frog in Keres’ picture book.

Finn the frog introduces himself to the reader as a “babysitter extraordinaire.” He initiates a game of peekaboo that ends with a ripped page. Finn gets upset at the reader and makes them cry, so he makes amends to both the torn page and the upset reader with stickers. Next, Finn considers fingerpainting, but thinks better of the potential mess and blows up a balloon instead. “WOW! Look how big it is! Here you go - this ought to keep you occupied for a little while. But remember, don’t put it in your…POP!” Too late. Finn tries blowing bubbles, which goes well until the reader knocks over the container of liquid, further damaging the book. Finally, Finn meets the ultimate challenge: “Code BROWN!” Lin’s cartoon and watercolor illustrations create a clever interplay between Finn and the reader, whose smudge marks, spilled bubble liquid, and exploded balloon fragments are left all over the pages. The unusual blend of second-person narration and fourth-wall breaking is effortless and fun. Finn’s hilarious personality is immensely likeable: He oscillates between self-assured, floundering, eager to please, and exhausted. The book provides an opportunity for adult and child to laugh together about familiar scenarios. Finn’s babysitting debacles will both resonate with the caregivers who juggle the same kinds of minor catastrophes daily and amuse the children who cause them.

A series of delightful disasters presided over by a determined little frog.