Betty Bunny Wants a Goal (Betty Bunny)

Betty Bunny continues to be a "handful," but her siblings also get some time in the spotlight in her fourth picture book, especially surly teenage brother Bill, one of the series's unsung heroes. Betty is ready to call it quits after she doesn't score a single goal during her first soccer game, but after Bill offers (read: is forced) to help Betty practice, she finally makes some headway. With deadpan zingers ("Kick it in your own net!" Bill encourages Betty. "A goal's a goal") and slyly funny artwork, Kaplan and Jorisch score once again with this one. Ages 3-5. Author's agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. Illustrator's agent: Wanda Nowak Creative Illustrators Agency. (Mar.)

K-Gr 2--Betty Bunny is a handful to all when she suddenly takes a liking to soccer. She wants to become the star of her team and is positive that she can score 10 goals at her first game. When she predictably fails to meet her own unrealistic expectations, she becomes sad and sulks in the grass for the rest of the game. Betty announces that she is quitting and almost throws away all of her soccer equipment. Her siblings try to reason with her and encourage her, giving her a pep talk about not giving up. At Betty's next game, she still does not score a goal and is upset again. Her older brother Bill tells her, "Maybe you're just not that good." Her father patiently explains the importance of practice and enlists the snarky Bill to work with her. Illustrations are detailed in pencil, ink, watercolor, and gouache. Fans of the series will enjoy this newest addition. --Krista Welz, North Bergen High School, NJ