Raising a Little Stink

Ellie Contursi is a children’s librarian at the London Public Library.

Once there lived a lazy lion, a lazy lion tamer, a lazy mouse, and a
happy stinkbug. The lion, lion tamer, and mouse no longer want to work
at the circus, but the cheerful stinkbug enjoys a good day’s work.
When the troop discovers an abandoned cottage, they decide to make it
their home. The stinkbug immediately sets about to make it feel homey.
But soon he’s annoyed with his lazy, complaining companions. Deciding
to take matters into his own hands, he takes a rest. When his companions
call again and again for his attention, he remains seated. Finally, they
drag themselves up from their beds and go looking for the stinkbug. When
they find him, they’re in for a big surprise: the stinkbug releases a
tremendous odour, causing his lazy housemates to flee.

Sydor has written a funny story that can be summed up by its closing
page: a sign that the troop carries says “Working Stinks”; the one
that the stinkbug carries says “Stinking Works.” Constantin’s
lively, brightly coloured illustrations are equally funny. Raising a
Little Stink is highly recommended.