GREENLIGHT

Is it fair that everyone stops for the red light, slows down for the yellow…but at the first sign of green just zooms away?

Carzoo, staunch defender of the lowly fireplug Lou (2022), champions another essential infrastructural stalwart. “I used to think I was super bright, and sparkly, and spectacular…but every time I share my light with the world,” grumbles the traffic signal, “it’s like they can’t get away from me fast enough.” Well, “I’m done shining!” Rendered with utmost simplicity in the flat paper collage pictures, the dissed disk closes its googly eyes—and discovers that being alone in the dark offers peace, quiet…and a chance to take stock (in words addressed as much to similarly discouraged readers): “There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re a good light.” And when the realization that being liked by others is less important than liking oneself turns out to be literally eye-opening, the discovery of a massive pileup of waiting traffic on the road below keys both a refreshed sense of agency and an exhilarating climactic “GO!!!” that irresistibly invites young audiences to holler along…and to let their own lights shine. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A stopper for readers ready…and set to…GO!