The Horn Book Guide

PRESCHOOL

Wells, Rosemary

Max & Ruby's Preschool Pranks

40 pp. | Viking | July, 2016 | Trade ISBN 978-0-670-78462-2 $17.99

(4) PS Ruby and Louise are playing school, but their mischievous students Lily and gorilla suit–wearing Max aren't following the rules and lessons (shown in mini lift-the-flap books). The two pranksters eventually test Lily's Volcano Kit, and the otherwise pitch-perfect story ends rather abruptly post-explosion. Via varied layouts and perspectives, Wells's pastel-colored ink, watercolor, and gouache illustrations expertly capture the lively (and consequence-free) day.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter