From Publishers Weekly
Mr. Green thinks "life with Mrs. Green [is] full of adventure," and Mrs. Green thinks "life with Mr. Green [is] full of surprises." This three-chapter picture book about the fun-loving alligator couple brims with both. Baker's (Quack and Count) lively acrylics cascade in an array of festive colors: lime green, citrus yellow, mango and lavender among them. Whether depicting Mrs. Green encouraging Mr. Green to meet his goal by eating his 100th pancake or the two alligators riding their scooters to the fair, Baker's cartoon-like paintings bubble over with humor. After reading a book called Crazy for Camping, Mrs. Green alleviates Mr. Green's fears about the spooky woods by taking him on a circuitous route to the camp site... their very own backyard. When the flowers blow out of Mr. Green's vase, putting his blue ribbon prize in jeopardy, the judge surprisingly awards a blue ribbon for Mrs. Green's flower-filled straw hat, sweetly arranged by Mr. Green. Baker effectively alters the pacing with full-page paintings and full-bleed spreads that alternate with time-lapse spot illustrations (as when Mr. Green slowly swallows pancake 100). The amusing descriptions of Mrs. Green's artistic process ("A smear of purple... a wiggle of white... a smudge of pink... and green!") or Mr. Green's discourse on 100 as he downs his hotcakes ("10 times 10,/ 50 plus 50,/ 349 minus 237, divided by 2 plus 44") will surely tickle young readers. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-Mr. and Mrs. Green are energetic alligators who know how to have a good time. Reminiscent of James Marshall's "George and Martha" stories, these three pithy tales center on backyard camping, eating (Mr. Green challenges himself to eat 100 pancakes), and going to the fair. There is a nice undertone of acceptance and love between the two characters with a healthy balance of give and take, and the all-important element of surprise. These tales celebrate the little niceties that make life fun, and incorporate learning elements-colors, numbers, shapes, and maps. The acrylic illustrations have a loud, oversized presence that is complemented by the strong text. The drawings augment the happy, playful spirit of the alligators, adding energy and variety to each page, and the bright green of Mr. and Mrs. (it's their favorite color) ensures that readers' attention will remain riveted to the couple's goofy antics and contagious positive attitude.
Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MICopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
