What's Up, Maloo?

PreS-Gr 1—"No other kangaroo can hop like Maloo!" That is, until his hop, hop, hop becomes a slow step, step...step. There's now no spring in his step and no hop in young Maloo's heart. A cloudlike fog is bringing him down, even as friends show their concern. Offering help—counting steps 1,2,3 and up to a thousand—the persistence of friends comfort and support him to finally lift off, blowing away the fog with their encouragement. First one hop, then more—Maloo jumps away from his fog of worry to the cheers of all. Originally published in French, this English edition features hand-lettered typeface and softly expressive faces of Maloo and friends with the use of pastels and colored pencil. Repeated words and brief sentences with illustrations following the action easily assist young readers in identification of emotions. VERDICT A suggested general purchase, this title addresses those with insecurities, sadness, or depression and simply displays the success of teamwork for all ages.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

In her solo debut, Godbout (The Pink Umbrella) presents a quiet meditation on sadness and friendship. Suited in yellow dungarees, Maloo the kangaroo hops through a flowering expanse ("One hop. Two hops. Three hops"), until the background turns arid and a cloud of discontent descends overhead ("Hop?"). Maloo's friends, an apron-clad wombat, a swimsuit-wearing crocodile, and an unclothed koala, ask him what's wrong by turns as they walk beside him ("Seven steps. Eight steps. Nine steps. Let us help you, Maloo"). Their sequential attempts at uplifting their friend--with desserts, a soak, and an electric fan--are in vain, until, after the fog has lingered for "one thousand steps," the pals propel Maloo aloft with a blanket. Three spreads are dedicated to Maloo alone in midair ("Hop!") as the cloud dispels and Maloo resumes jumping through a floral scene, this time joined by pals on pogo sticks. Rendered in gentle pastel and colored pencil, Godbout's expressive illustrations offer a meaningful visual expression of depression and of supporting friends in a slump, leaving plenty of room for adults to expound on the spare text. Ages 3-7. (Jan.)