  | Woodpecker wants a waffle Author: Breen, Steve | |
| Price: $22.58 | ||
Summary:
Benny the woodpecker makes a brilliant plan to eat a tasty plate of waffles.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 2.40 Points: .5 Quiz: 183161 | Reading Counts Information: Interest Level: K-2 Reading Level: 1.40 Points: 1.0 Quiz: 69063 | |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (03/15/16)
School Library Journal (05/01/16)
Booklist (+) (03/15/16)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 03/15/2016 *Starred Review* Benny, a woodpecker, flies from the forest to a diner that advertises hot waffles. Craving this unfamiliar food, he tries to enter the restaurant in disguise, but time after time, the waitress throws him out. Other animals gather to watch, laughing hysterically because, as the rabbit shouts, “WOODPECKERS DON’T EAT WAFFLES!” Unconvinced and undeterred, Benny suggests that they come back tomorrow to see his new waffle-procurement scheme (involving a cannon, juggling, and fireworks) in action. The curious animals arrive early and line up facing the restaurant. Baffled, the customers and staff go out to gape and take pictures. Meanwhile, Benny strolls into the diner, bites into an abandoned waffle, and comments, “Sweet.” It’s a mighty satisfying moment for the plucky woodpecker and also for kids, who will love watching the little guy outwit both the humans and the other animals. Breen, whose long list of awards as an editorial cartoonist includes two Pulitzer Prizes, offers a short, satisfying text that works effectively with droll, expressive artwork. According to a note, he used watercolors, colored pencils, and “his artistic genius” to create the illustrations—and judging by the results, that’s a fine combination. This funny number celebrates determination, nonconformity, and creativity. And, of course, waffles. - Copyright 2016 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 05/01/2016 PreS-Gr 2—Breen delivers a whimsical, alliterative story of animal high jinks. When Benny the woodpecker investigates a tummy-rumbling smell, he is led to a diner where his curiosity is piqued by a customer relishing a plate of freshly made waffles. Although Benny is desperate to taste the breakfast treat, he is thwarted time and again by an astute and ornery waitress. Neither camouflage nor comic disguises fool this waffle server, leaving Benny to brainstorm new ideas with his animal friends in the nearby woods. All of Benny's companions try to dissuade him, using clever alliterations ("Moose don't eat muffins," "Raccoons don't eat ravioli," etc.); however, Benny's outlandish plans do give way to a sly and satisfying ending. Excellent watercolor illustrations help depict this charming world, while the ratio of text to white space is ideal for emerging readers. - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
