cover image Yellow Copter

Yellow Copter

Kersten Hamilton, illus. by Valeria Petrone. Viking, $16.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-451-46991-5

When a teacher gets stuck at the top of a Ferris wheel, it's up to a bright yellow rescue copter to save the day: "Rotors ready!/ Whup whup whup/ Tail boom lifting.../ skids are up." As in 2008's Red Truck, Hamilton's enthusiastic rhymes and declarations shine when the book is read aloud; a red skywriting plane traces the words "Hurry Yellow Copter" in big, puffy letters as the copter and its pilot head for the fair. Petrone's muted blue backgrounds make both the copter and the fair's main rides and attractions pop, and the rescue itself feels more like an adventure than a truly dangerous situation. Ages 2%E2%80%935. Author's agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Illustrator's agent: Gail Gaynin, Morgan Gaynin. (May)