A zany story line spins out a tale of escalating behaviors at Benjamin Dizzie Elementary that begins with a single lie: “I got tripped!’ (Polly) cried as she stumbled into the classroom. ‘I was minding my own business …just thinking about my book report – my extra long book report – when out of nowhere, there he was!” One thing leads to the next, as child after child is tripped by The Tripper, bringing attention to themselves and, in some cases, providing a convenient excuse for missing candy or having a day off school. But clever Dr. Dizzie, the school’s founder, who “combed his hair with a fork and his best friend wa a monkey,” is on to their tricks. The watercolor illustrations feature hilarious expressions, unique perspectives, and distinctive use of color to separate each child’s story from the background scene. Kids will enjoy finding visual clues to help them figure out what is going on.

-Lee Bock

-Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

Devilish deeds at Benjamin Dizzie Elementary School. Young Polly terrifies her classmates and her teacher, Mrs. Fletcher, with the harrowing tale of being tripped by a mysterious figure in black top hat and long cape. The children are anxiously preparing for the Dizzie Day Parade, where “anything goes,” and fear any disruption of their preparations. But, one by one, the other children are also tripped, telling their tales of misfortune dramatically. The headmaster calls the police, who patrol the halls, and the school distributes wanted posters for “Jack the Tripper.” Just as tensions threaten to boil over, the story takes not one but two surprising turns, best left for readers to discover. Blue-toned watercolor images depict the dastardly doings of the Tripper, set against the full-color goings-on at school, varied perspectives and dramatic visual jokes lending fizz to both. Wall-to-wall drollery, both in Barretta’s illustrations and his text, which is sophisticated as well as accessible. Wodehouse with a dash of Gorey. (Picture book. 6-11)