cover image Mr. Fooster Traveling on a Whim

Mr. Fooster Traveling on a Whim

Tom Corwin, , illus. by Craig Frazier. . Doubleday/Flying Dolphin, $14.95 (101pp) ISBN 978-0-385-52340-0

This slender, graceful allegory from Mostly Bob author Corwin embraces creation, humor and joy. In children's book illustrator Frazier's subtle facing-page sketches, Mr. Fooster is a tall, rangy, hale fellow in a rumpled suit and hat. Carrying an unread letter from his great uncle in his pocket, he walks through the world in childlike wonder, blowing soap bubbles with a red wand, noticing the smile on a katydid, helping a weak newt find his pond. But once Mr. Fooster stops in confusion, not knowing which way to go, he grows roots. Only after a truculent builder determines to keep out the world with a wall does Mr. Fooster learn the lesson of the letter. Full of surprises, Corwin's aphoristic gift book invites repeated readings. (June)