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Saturday, August 26, 2017

Barnaby Never Forgets, written and illustrated by Pierre Collet-Derby. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2017. $23.00 ages 4 and up

"OK, maybe things do slip my
mind every now and then.

I forget to hang up my wet
bathing suit sometimes.
I guess I don't always remember
to wash my hands.

And I may have a few
overdue library books."

Barnaby is proud of all the things that he remembers! Then, when it's time for school, he is stymied by a number of things that he has forgotten. Where are his glasses? We watch delightedly as he searches EVERYWHERE for them. Little ones will be hollering to let him know they can see them!

He is quick to remind readers of all the things that he never forgets ... to feed his grasshoppers, to get the mail (especially his own) and he is never wrong about ice-cream night. He does remember many very important things. Only when he goes to brush his teeth does he find his glasses - and that doesn't happen until he looks in the mirror.

Reluctantly, he admits that he is not perfect. He does, occasionally, forget something. Looking is half the fun; as he searches for one thing he often finds another. As luck would have it, he even finds a year-old lollipop in his backpack as he makes his way to school.

It isn't until he arrives that he realizes he has forgotten one very important bit of information.

The exuberant and whimsical artwork is perfect for young readers. There is so much to see, and those details are sure to lead to a pause for discussion. You absolutely must pay attention to the final two spreads. Your listeners will find them hilarious!  

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