THE CITY KID & THE SUBURB KID

The classic fable gets an update and a clever book design in this debut. Jack’s life in the city is marked by hot and noisy subways, honking horns and having to share a room with his little brother. He can’t wait to visit his friend Adam in the suburbs for a week. The friends ride bikes around the neighbornhood, fish and catch frogs and sleep outdoors. As the week wears on, though, Jack finds himself missing home. Turning the book upside-down, readers can then find out about Adam’s suburban life, with lawns to mow, waiting for rides and an annoying big sister. With this pattern, the tale emphasizes that even though the pair may do the same things, there is no place as familiar and loved as home. Bleck’s gouache illustrations perfectly capture the contrasts between the two worlds while simultaneously drawing attention to their similarities—although, regrettably, they miss an opportunity by depicting both boys as white. Readers may just start clamoring for their parents to take them on a trip. (Picture book. 3-8)