Toy Dance Party

October 1, 2008
Gr 1-3-Jenkins continues the adventures of Lumphy, Stingray, and Plastic, which began in "Toys Go Out" (Random, 2006). This charming fantasy about friendship explores their feelings and fears. The Girl who owns them is growing up and they are worried that she is leaving them behind. Telling the story from the point of view of the toys helps children to view these concerns in a nonthreatening light. In six new escapades, the toys learn to stick together and help solve their predicaments. Each new adventure builds anticipation and apprehension as the toys struggle for a satisfactory conclusion. Humor-laced language creates visual images as well as unusual sounds (e.g., "rumpa, lumpa"). Zelinsky's cleverly detailed black-and-white illustrations are amusing and add to the overall pleasure in the book. Beginning chapter-book readers will enjoy the pace of each episode. "Toy Dance Party" also makes a great read-aloud."Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2008
Lumphy, StingRay, and Plastic, the toyswhose secret lives were introduced in Toys Go Out (2006), are troubled. Their girl, Honey, has developed more grown-up interests; she is no longer very observant andspends less special time with them. In six interconnected adventures, the toys survive being left alone; make friends with Spark, a garbage-eating shark; rescue Bonkers the mouse from the vacuum cleaner; go on a sleepover; and join Washer and Dryer in the basement for lively parties. Finally, with purposeful naughtiness, they solve the problem of Honeys new interest in the silent Barbies. These toys have distinct, well-developed characters and behave as children do, sometimes squabbling with each other but also taking pride in their accomplishments and ability to cooperate. StingRay even develops empathy. Dialogue and song help to move the narrative along. Each chapter will include a black-and-white illustration (unavailable in galley). Whether or not they are familiar withthe toys first round of adventures, chapter-book readers will welcome these gently humorous tales, just right for hearing aloud or reading alone.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2009
As they did in Toys Go Out, when the Girl is away, her toys have adventures of their own. Throughout the linked stories, the toys worry that the Girl is outgrowing them, but they ultimately learn that they can rely on one another. The readable, occasionally too-precious toy fantasy is enhanced by Zelinsky's understated black-and-white illustrations.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)