Too Much Glue

Matty is no paste eater, but short of consuming it, he loves everything about glue, especially using it in enormous quantities. Although Matty’s teacher preaches moderation (“Glue raindrops, not puddles!”), Matty isn’t listening, and his parents are happy to encourage him. An early scene shows the family wearing glue mustaches, goggles, and tiaras as they build small castles from the sticky stuff; debut illustrator Retz’s artwork is created digitally, but there’s a sculptural quality to it that almost suggests he could be using glue as a medium, too. After Matty launches himself into a giant puddle of glue at school, various efforts to free him only compound the problem: “Now I’m a clicky bricky, clingy stringy, blucky stucky mess,” he says, none too upset. First-time author LeFebvre presents a rowdy tale about the disruptive forms that creativity can take; although Matty’s teacher hyperventilates over the situation, there’s no yelling at, scolding of, or consequences for Matty. Adults less understanding than those found within these pages should be forewarned: while imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, it can also require serious cleanup. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)