Ah!

By Josse Goffin

Subjects: Belgian wit and humor, Pictorial, Humor, general, Toy and movable books, Pictorial Belgian wit and humor

Description: Grade 1-3-- Following the same format as Oh! (Abrams, 1991), Goffin has created another successful title. This wordless fold-out book has a new twist: a full-color reproduction of a famous sculpture or painting is found on each page, e.g. a hat becomes a pelican holding the painting Angelus in its mouth, and a wooden shoe turns into a car with the Greek sculpture Nike of Samothrace on its hood. A tube of toothpaste is next seen as a dog lovingly gazing at the Mona Lisa. And so the transformations continue. Goffin's simply colored and well-drawn illustrations, surrounded by plenty of white space, are quite appealing. The combination of naivete and sophistication is intriguing, and children will definitely emit sighs of ``Ah,'' as they watch familiar items change into different, still recognizable objects. At the same time, this works as a great introduction to the world of art. Pictures of each piece of artwork, its title, and where it can be found are listed at the end. --Rachel Fox, Port Washington Public Library, NY