Pinky and Rex and the School Play - Hardcover

James Howe is the author of more than ninety books for young readers. Bunnicula, coauthored by his late wife Deborah and published in 1979, is considered a modern classic of children’s literature. The author has written six highly popular sequels, along with the spinoff series Tales from the House of Bunnicula and Bunnicula and Friends. Among his other books are picture books such as Horace and Morris but Mostly Dolores and beginning reader series that include the Pinky and Rex and Houndsley and Catina books. He has also written for older readers. The Misfits, published in 2001, inspired the antibullying initiative No Name-Calling Week, as well as three sequels, Totally Joe, Addie on the Inside, and Also Known as Elvis. A common theme in James Howe’s books from preschool through teens is the acceptance of difference and being true to oneself. Visit him online at JamesHowe.com.

Melissa Sweet has illustrated more than eighty children’s books, including the Caldecott Honor books The Right Word and A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams both written by Jen Bryant. She also wrote and illustrated Tupelo Rides the Rails; Carmine: A Little More Red, which was a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book; and Balloons Over Broadway, a picture book biography that was named a 2011 Publishers Weekly Best Nonfiction Picture Book. When she is not in her studio, Melissa can be found taking an art class, hiking with her dogs, or riding her bicycle. She lives with her family in Rockport, Maine.

Kindergarten-Grade 3AIn this new entry in the series about best pals Pinky and Rex, their friendship is put to the greatest test ever. Pinky decides he wants to be an actor when he grows up and tries out for the lead in Davi, Boy of the Rain Forest. He convinces Rex to accompany him to the auditions for moral support. She isn't interested in acting at all. A big surprise awaits them when the cast list is posted. The play has been renamed Bahi, Girl of the Rain Forest, and Rex has the starring role. Pinky, who has been cast as a monkey, is angry with her. The two eventually realize that their friendship is much too valuable to lose, and Pinky tells Rex that she is good as Bahi. It is Pinky, however, who saves the performance from disaster. Howe fills the story with humorous scenes. Sweet's watercolors capture the action and complement the light mood. The ending, in which Pinky and Rex both order a hot fudge sundae with extra whipped cream "Because sometimes best friends just have to have the same thing," is totally satisfying.ASuzanne Hawley, Laurel Oak Elementary School, Naples, FL
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