I'll Save You Bobo!

The war wages on! In this charming sequel to I Must Have Bobo! (2010), Willy and his pet cat, Earl, are still having trouble coexisting at home, and stuffed monkey Bobo is caught in the middle. All three characters fully inhabit their identities. Willy is emphatic and mercurial, excited about the jungle adventure he's drawing ("And we have a tent!" he shouts gleefully) and irritated at Earl's intrusions. Earl does as cats do, sometimes insisting on being in the middle of the action, at other times drifting into the background or tentatively exploring what Willy is up to. Bobo, inanimate, is just along for the ride. A joyful tribute to imagination and everyday domestic dramas. Ages 3-6. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (Apr.)

Copyright 2012 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 3--Poor Willy just wants to read a dinosaur book with his beloved toy monkey. But, as in I MUST Have Bobo (Atheneum, 2011), Earl the cat just won't leave them alone. When the book proves disappointingly sedate, Willy takes matters into his own hands and decides to write his own jungle adventure--with lots of danger to save Bobo from. As he narrates their imaginary exploits, Earl pesters and tries to steal the toy. With clever problem-solving, Willy uses his story to express his anger and desire for retaliation against Earl. Imagining the feline being devoured by snakes provides catharsis for Willy, and though their relationship remains the same he feels empowered enough to accept Earl as he is. There is no pat ending. Kids will relate to having someone in their life who just plain bugs them--whether pet, sibling, cousin, or friend. The charming humor in the Sunday-funnies-style illustrations perfectly enhances the story, and the art (not to mention Willy's feisty personality) is reminiscent of Bill Watterson's "Calvin and Hobbes" (Andrews McMeel). A first purchase.--Anna Haase Krueger, Antigo Public Library, WI

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

* The war wages on! In this charming sequel to I Must Have Bobo! (2010), Willy and his pet cat, Earl, are still having trouble coexisting at home, and stuffed monkey Bobo is caught in the middle. All three characters fully inhabit their identities. Willy is emphatic and mercurial, excited about the jungle adventure he's drawing ("And we have a tent!" he shouts gleefully) and irritated at Earl's intrusions. Earl does as cats do, sometimes insisting on being in the middle of the action, at other times drifting into the background or tentatively exploring what Willy is up to. Bobo, inanimate, is just along for the ride. A joyful tribute to imagination and everyday domestic dramas.

—Publishers Weekly, March 12, 2012, *STAR