Can I Help?

Once again, Janovitz has come up with a winning rhymed book that incorporates the humor, wit, and gentle interaction between the father/son duo introduced in Is It Time? (North-South, 1994). Cub is eager to help Wolf in the garden. The well-thought-out, evenly flowing rhyme, "Pull the weeds, plant the seeds/Do the mowing, help with hoeing," lends itself to cheery chanting with each repetitive, growing verse on alternate pages, making the concept of working together really fun. Soft watercolors predominately in pale hues of blue and gray enliven the amusing mishaps as the two "gardeners" progress with their chores and end the hard work with a loving hug and well-deserved nap. A light and bouncy story that's a pleasure to read aloud over and over again. AUTHOR: Marilyn Janovitz attended the School of Visual Arts in New York and the Philadelphia College of Art. She has illustrated several books for children, worked as a textile designer, and created artwork for advertising and magazines. Full color.