RUBY’S BEAUTY SHOP

A day of beautification goes awry when Wells’s (Timothy’s Tales from Hilltop School, p. 890, etc.) mischievous Max joins in on the fun. Big sister Ruby and her best pal Louise spend the day playing beauty parlor with Louise’s “Deluxe Beauty Kit.” Naturally, Max, being the youngest, becomes their client, and soon the young rabbit is bewigged, painted, moussed, and generally dressed to the nines. When the beauticians become immersed in their role play—doing the hair of the First Lady and giving the Queen a quick manicure—Max takes the opportunity to do a bit of experimenting on his own. Soon, the once-pristine bunny is glaringly green with yellow and blue feet. Surprises are in store for everyone when Grandma calls to get done over and Max is her favored stylist. Wells has an unerring ability to hit just the right note to tickle small-fry funny bones (and grown-ups, too). Older preschoolers will delight in the fantasy play of the girls while young toddlers will relish Max’s exploits and decidedly offbeat sense of style. The colorfully bordered illustrations are filled with comical details, such as Max soaking his paws in preparation for his manicure/pedicure and Max’s towering blond beehive hairdo. Fans will not be disappointed since Max definitely lives up to his reputation in this farcical tale of Beauty and the Prankster. (Picture book. 3-8)