cover image Overnight at Mary Bloom's

Overnight at Mary Bloom's

Aliki. Greenwillow Books, $16 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-688-06764-9

It's been too long since our last sojourn At Mary Bloom's, but she's back, and her latest episode is just as irresistible and sprightly as the first one. A little girl receives an invitation for an overnight visit and accepts immediately. Mary Bloom, who clearly has not lost her sense of childhood fun, presides over a cozy and wonderful home. Complete with a cuddly baby, two sheepdogs, a cat, an owl, a rabbit, a skunk, mice, gerbils, hamsters, a monkey and a talking crow named Lucas, a visit with Mary Bloom is a kid's idea of adventure, creative play and independence. Aliki's now-familiar technique of full color with ink outline conveys the fun and excitement of every kid's sleepover dream. Ages 4-8. (August)