cover image Barnaby and the Big Gorilla

Barnaby and the Big Gorilla

Alain Leonard. Tambourine Books, $15 (24pp) ISBN 978-0-688-11291-2

When Barnaby goes to visit his big-game-hunting uncle, he is terrified of his uncle's stuffed gorilla--``he thinks it is so big it could swallow ten little rabbits just like him.'' Despite his uncle's assurances that the gorilla is harmless, the ``huge and furry'' beast bares his teeth every time poor Barnaby's back is turned. When Barnaby's toy rolls out of reach under the gorilla, the frightened fellow--after vain attempts at requests and trickery--marches up to the dreaded gorilla and takes what is rightfully his. Leonard's uncomplicated, tongue-in-cheek artwork has a quiet charm and wit--the picture of an armed, pith-helmeted Barnaby setting out to reclaim his toy is laugh-out-loud funny. Rich with artifacts, the sunny setting features such droll touches as tribal wall masks that change expression and, in the rattan bookcase, a copy of Tintin au Congo . A subtle message about overcoming one's fears is adroitly woven into this beguiling tale of monkeyshines. Ages 4-up. (Mar.)