Macca the Alpaca

The title character, who stars in a picture book series in Cosgrove’s native Australia, makes his U.S. debut in which an easygoing young alpaca faces off against a large, mean-spirited llama. In breezy rhymed couplets and telling pictures, the author captures the happy-go-lucky personality of Macca, who “loves splashing in puddles and gives the best cuddles” (the latter demonstrated by images of the smiling creature zealously hugging various animals). The peace is shattered by the arrival of the llama, whose character Cosgrove unambiguously elucidates as the sneering intruder kicks Macca off the page: “That guy is called Harmer. (He’s no charmer.) He’s tall, strong, and woolly, but also a... …bully!” When Harmer challenges the much smaller alpaca to a contest of strength, Macca cunningly turns it into a battle of wits and agility, which he, inevitably yet comedically handily, wins. Featuring clean lines, vibrant colors, and the protagonists’ dramatically distinct facial expressions, Cosgrove’s art drives home the unmistakable message of this snappy readaloud: hugs, not shoves. Ages 3–5. [em](Feb.) [/em]