The Welcome Home

A feel-good read deserving of a permanent home on bookshelves.

Bates (Joey) introduces the Gargleson-Bittles, lone denizens of a sprawling house who feel that something's missing from their lives. Fair-skinned Mr. Gargleson is built like a quarterback, and spouse Ms. Bittle, portrayed with brown skin, sports overalls. It's clear what they're longing for: "They both wanted something a little bit lick-your-face-play-fetch-roll-over." Naturally, they get a snail, named Gordon, whom "they admired as they watched it make its way across the table." Now desiring something "more waggy," they next get an elephant named Louis. And in search of something more "lick-your-face," they obtain an aardvark called Sam and a whale named Eugene. Eugene quickly hits it off with Gordon, and the menagerie keeps growing. Gentle colored pencil hatching; stylish, angular figures; and extensive images of the couple's many rooms (including a theater and a pool) lend a sense of order to the story's mayhem. Though the joke centers on the couple's inability to land on the right pet, readers will be just as entertained by the animals' scene-stealing friendships and activities. Ages 4-8. Agent: Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt. (Sept.)

PreS-Gr 2--Although happy and content, the Gargleson-Bittles couple knows that this quiet home is missing something. And waffles for breakfast, although delicious, are not quite what they need. Something "lick-your-face-play-fetch-roll-over-rub-its-belly-and-chase-its-tail" sounds like just the thing. Playful, radiant colored pencil illustrations show this loving couple's path to their ideal companion. Snails, whales, a grumpy cat, an aardvark, rabbits, seals, and many, many others are welcomed, each bringing joy and a special talent. At last, just the right creature arrives to add to the happiness of this very unique and loving family. Young children (and their adult companions) will be captivated by the warmth offered in this lovely work. VERDICT Highly recommended for picture book collections, this fun-filled rumpus will delight young children and leave everyone in a glow.--Eva Elisabeth VonAncken