Animal Hours

Adиle Ashby, a library consultant, is the former editor of Canadian Materials for Schools and Libraries.

“What if . . . / An elephant asked to play hopscotch at one! / Would
her feet be too big? / Would it be any fun?” Thus begins this
marvellous adventure about a small boy who finds that, with each passing
hour, a different animal wants to play. When a sleepy owl hoots a
lullaby, they all crowd but at 12, a net-stockinged mouse begins to tap
dance, and everyone decides to forget about the clock and have an
animal-hours party.

The fantastic story line, told in patterned rhyme, is perfectly
complemented by Vlasta van Kampen’s extravagant illustrations, which
spill off the page in their exuberance. These are pictures to pore over;
this is text to chant. A highly successful new Canadian picture book.