The Rude Visitors

Fran Ashdown was the Head of the Children's Department, Capilano Branch, North Vancouver District Public Library.

During the course of his day, a toddler named Bram encounters a series of imaginary animals which cause him to spill his milk and spoon soup into his ear, and which prevent him from reaching his potty in time. Bram’s mother accepts his proffered excuses with equanimity in a manner reminiscent of the reaction of Jule Ann’s mother in Mud Puddle. Later in the day, Bram searches for the troupe of animals, which have mysteriously disappeared, only to discover them again in his dreams at nap-time.

The illustrations are light-hearted and attractive, consisting mainly of full-page colour spreads with the addition of two double-pages of outline drawings. The animals are rendered as cuddly stuffed animals rather than as real ones, in keeping with the tales’ playful mood.

Interesting detail has been added to several pages of the text in the form of decorative animal borders. The typeface is bold and clear, enhancing the book’s general appearance.

The mood throughout the story is cheerful and upbeat, with Bram’s mother entering into the spirit of the game. Bram is an appealing toddler and the book is sure to be popular with children of a similar age.

This seems to be the first title in the new Annick Toddler Series, and young readers are in luck if it proves representative of titles to come.