cover image Extremely Cute Animals Operating Heavy Machinery

Extremely Cute Animals Operating Heavy Machinery

David Gordon. Simon & Schuster, $17.99 (48p) ISBN 978-1-4169-2441-8

The antibullying story—with its familiar arc of persecution, retribution, and rapprochement—goes high concept. Readers will have to wait until the middle of the book for the title’s payoff: that’s when the extremely cute animals, led by a tutu-wearing bunny named Karen, get “extremely mad” about being the victims of three sandbox bullies and construct “the grandest sand castle plus amusement park anyone had ever seen,” enclosed by a big gate to keep the bullies out. The irony reaches its apex in a wordless close-up of Karen confidently fusing two beams together, a welding mask accessorizing her trademark tutu. Gordon (Smitten) delivers a tale that, while familiar at its core, should make for a rousing read-aloud: expect giggles when Karen orders her adorable crew to “Move your butts!” And yes, Gordon’s pastel-colored, gummy-bear-esque animals are indeed extremely cute—including the villains, especially once they see how their former victims are “extremely good at including everyone.” It’s cheeky evidence of the power of killing them with kindness—and cuteness. Ages 4–8. (May)