Fred Forgets

A mischievous monkey takes advantage of a forgetful friend in Jarvis’s (Lazy Dave) oddly mean-spirited tale. When Fred the elephant forgets what he’s about to do, Monkey pipes up with a suggestion: “Oh, um, I think you said you were going to ride a unicycle upside down.” When Fred complies, Monkey has a good laugh, spurring him to guide Fred into a series of additional uncomfortable and even dangerous situations—drinking swamp water, swimming with sharks, and putting on a yellow dress and singing a song. At last, Fred remembers what he set out to do and it involves a comeuppance for Monkey. After pages of hand-lettered “Hee-Hees” expressing Monkey’s glee, readers will be glad to see Fred get the last laugh. Against airy cream-colored backdrops, the playful artwork—a blend of loose lines, broad shapes, bold colors, and doodlelike accents in pencil and chalk—helps keep the mood light, softening the bullying tone of Monkey’s antics. But it’s not enough to save a story that feels steeped more in maliciousness, embarrassment, and shame than good-natured ribbing. Ages 4–8. Agent: Bright Agency. (June)