Raj and the Best Day Ever (Raj)

PreS-Gr 1--When best-laid plans go awry, a little imagination saves the day. After making a list of activities for an exciting outing on the town, a tiger cub named Raj and his father pack a knapsack with supplies and head out on their adventure. They walk along busy streetscapes filled with crocodiles dining at an outdoor café, a goat selling fresh produce at a market stall, and a courier pigeon on a bicycle. The first stop on their itinerary is the library, where Raj chooses his favorite superhero book. At the checkout desk, Dad realizes he forgot to bring his wallet, putting the kibosh on some planned pursuits. A sudden downpour adds to the disappointment, and Raj's frustrated, first-person narration rings true: "I feel rainy inside, too.... This is going to be the WORST DAY EVER." Spirits aren't dampened for long, as Dad shows his son there are plenty of fun and free things to do, like launching a leaf and bark boat downstream in the park and creating their own art gallery-worthy picture out of rocks and leaves. Instead of taking a bus, Raj opts to "fly home instead" and enjoys an express piggyback ride. Braun's cheery and colorful watercolor and mixed-media illustrations are full of details, including the changing, zipper-mouth expressions on the googly-eyed green knapsack. VERDICT Perfect for one-on-one sharing, this warm father and son story shows that time spent together is priceless.--Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ont.