Squish Squash Squished

“There’s a touch of the classic ‘It Could Always Be Worse’ folktale here, which Rector invigorates with her playful, rhyme-infused prose that rolls right off the readaloud tongue. Pencil and digital art has a tidy jauntiness that echoes Mom’s mien, and the happy little town populated by a mix of humans and animals (an active lot, judging by the fact the giraffe is jogging and the dogs were out on a bicycle built for four) is a charming venue for all. Audiences may guess that Mom’s got an ulterior motive from the get-go here, and either way they’ll enjoy the giggle-worthy language and moral about comparative—and probably short-term—peace.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Entertaining update of the classic Yiddish folktale ‘It Could Always Be Worse.’ . . . The humorous situation, cumulative action, abundance of audience-pleasing animal sounds, and well-earned resolution should make readers glad to go along for the ride.”—Horn Book