Review Detail

Melanie Watt is writing a story about a mouse that lives in the country . . .UNTIL Chester, her self-absorbed cat takes over. Chester feels free to wield his red pen, hijacking the story and making it all about Chester. He sends the mouse packing rapidly, and now Chester lives in the story's house . . .UNTIL Melanie once again takes charge, returning the mouse to his home, along with a big dog with teeth. Chester is undaunted, however. With his red pen, he makes the dog a vegetarian, and returns the story to its rightful star: CHESTER. The power goes back and forth, making the reader wonder who could possibly win, until the ending-- which is absolutely perfect.

The story and illustrations both are absolutely hysterical and fresh; this might be my favorite picture book for fall 2007. It will appeal mightily to fans of "There's a Monster at the End of This Book" . . .or to anyone else, and will be a pleasure to read aloud at story time. Highest recommendation.