cover image HUMPHREY'S CORNER

HUMPHREY'S CORNER

Sally Hunter, . . Holt, $14.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-8050-6786-6

In this winsome tale from British author/artist Hunter, sunny, pastel-toned pictures and an appealingly simple narrative introduce an elephant toddler in search of a place to play. Into a box with a string attached, overall-clad Humphrey puts his blanket and stuffed rabbit, Mop (which he places on a stool, "so he could see where he was going"). The amiable youngster pulls his beloved belongings from room to room, adding new treasures to his box as he leaves in his wake telltale signs of his explorations. Though Humphrey enjoys his exploits—which include tossing bath beads into the toilet, draping himself with his mother's jewelry and donning her high-heel shoes—he decides that each play spot "wasn't quite right." Finally, his perceptive mother, who makes subtle cameo appearances in the artwork but who has been mostly offstage during her offspring's wanderings, comes to Humphrey's rescue as he clumsily attempts to navigate the stairs with his possessions. She leads him into the "snug and warm" kitchen, where the little guy finds a place to play that is "just right." Gently celebrating toddlers' independence and imagination, as well as a mother's comforting presence, Hunter's art and words (printed in a font that mimics hand-lettering) shape a story that is, indeed, just right. Ages 2-5. (June)