Most Marshmallows

Marshmallows, with their uniform appearance and soft outlines, make fine stand-ins for average citizens. Watkins (Big Bunny) draws black hair on their heads, gives them big eyes that blink and stare, and in constructed mixed-media sets, supplies them with winsome furnishings, books, and food made of cardboard, construction paper, fabric, and sprinkles. "Most marshmallows don't grow on trees," the text begins. "They go to school... and learn to be squishy and how to stand in rows." Crucially, though, some marshmallows resist conformity. They "somehow secretly know that all marshmallows can do anything": perform in circuses, explore outer space, move beyond what they are told is possible. Following one's dreams is an idea well worth celebrating, and so is appreciating a world's details. Close-ups of this marshmallow universe--the lawn flamingo, the infant mallows growing out of acorn cups, the solemn classroom diagrams of how to recover after being squished--will draw readers back for another look. Ages 3-5. Agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (Apr.)

PreS-Gr 1--This book forgoes a narrative arc in favor of celebrating the lives of children with simple and familiar sentiments. "They celebrate birthdays. They watch TV. They go to school most mornings." The twist is that marshmallows stand in for the children. This is mostly conveyed through detailed found-object tableaus and occasionally in the text. "Most marshmallows don't grow on trees or come from storks or even Mars. Most marshmallows are mostly born to one sweet parent or two." Each phrase is illustrated with a photographed intricate collage of marshmallows placed in scenes and interacting with found and created objects that reinforce the text. The scenes consist of marshmallows, construction paper, cake sprinkles, cardboard, acorn tops, twist ties, pencil, and "whatever else was needed." There's lots to talk about and look for in the images. While adults will respond better than children to the message ("But some marshmallows somehow secretly know that all marshmallows can do anything or be anything they dare to imagine."), everyone will enjoy the sweet images. VERDICT An engaging, quirky read-aloud perfect to share with crafts and maker programs.--Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK