Zubert

The delirium of newcomer Sutcliffe’s artwork offers a delicious contrast to the exacting polish of his technique. Although roundheaded Zubert and his fellow creatures resemble plastic game pieces, they move like living creatures and express themselves with engaging charm. Zubert has time to kill in a hotel while his mother delivers flowers, and he discovers that the halls and rooms are overrun with animals—stampeding aqua buffalo in spectacles, troops of naughty monkeys, a giant red octopus in the pool. Since two pompous hotel inspectors are making their rounds, time is of the essence. The Spinglefranks, flying bunnies who kit Zubert out with his own wings, must hide the animals, and Zubert offers help. “What about a mouse?” Zubert suggests to scare an elephant out of the kitchen; the mouse the “slightly magic” Spinglefranks summon has a forest of green tentacles. Look closer for bonus delights like the family marching down the street in flippers and snorkel masks and an elaborate theater of vegetables. Look closer, too, for the text itself, which is quite tiny and crammed into the corners. Even so, it’s a notable debut. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)