ONE FOR ME, ONE FOR YOU

Though the message in Cameron’s debut is that sharing makes everybody happy, it plays out against a background of great familiarity: an unmediated disagreement over the division of the spoils. Pegged for the very young, the text keeps the action simple: “One for me. One for you. That makes two.” Everything is copacetic for the little hippo and the little alligator as long as the goods come in equal numbers. There may be a touch of opportunism—“If I take three, it’s fine with me”—but vigilance and fair play smooth those potential bumps in the road. Still, what happens when there are three toys and two players? “No! No! No! Mom, see there! She’s got two, so make her share!” Mom sweeps in and confiscates the toys. Then they realize that mom makes three. Resolution via math rather than ethics, but both seem plain as day for young readers. And though the message is lightly delivered, what will really grab those readers is the art from the talented Lin (Olvina Flies, below, etc.): bright, fascinating tapestries of light, color, pattern, and activity. (Picture book. 2-4)