Nothing

Author and illustrator Jon Agee's 2007 picture book is adapted in this iconographic-animated short narrated by actor George Newbern. Antique-shop owner Otis thinks it's his lucky day when eccentric and wealthy patron Suzie Gump comes in before closing and responds to his claim that he's totally out of goods with a strange request. “I've never had nothing….I'll pay you $300!” While Otis feels that he may be taking advantage, he nevertheless adheres to his father's adage that “the customer is always right” and, indeed, gives Suzie…nothing. Sensing opportunity, not-so-scrupulous neighboring shopkeepers jump on the bandwagon, claiming that they also have nothing (even imported nothing), and before long, crowds are clamoring, as “nothing sold like nothing before.” Featuring clean charcoal lines and basic watercolors, this enjoyably silly story includes a bonus music video of the theme song by the Promise Makers, and a read-along option. Recommended. Aud: K, P. (J. Williams-Wood)