Little Pea, Little Hoot & Little Oink

Based on three stories written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (who also narrates) and illustrated by Jen Corace, this iconographic-animated compilation kicks off with Little Pea (2005), which follows the suppertime habits of the titular legume: the happy Little Pea rolls down hills, plays spoon flicking games with his dad, and snuggles with his mom…but drags his, um, shell, when it comes to eating his meal, which is always candy! The only thing that perks Pea up as he forces down rainbow-colored, swirled confections is the thought of dessert: beloved spinach! Little Hoot (2008) centers on an owl who loves to practice staring and pondering but hates bedtime: being nocturnal, Little Hoot has to stay up late—which includes playing with a bat pal on a jungle gym—because his parents “don't give a hoot” when his other friends go to sleep. The profusion of detail in the artwork is most evident in Little Oink (2009), in which a truffle-digging young pig is reluctant to mess up his room before he's allowed to go out and play his favorite game: house. Combining cute imagery, appropriate sound effects, and silly situations, this is highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)