OONGA BOONGA

A witty tribute to the exceptional and often inexplicable connection between siblings. Baby Louise’s incessant crying has calamitous results, joggling pictures off walls, alarming the four-legged population in the vicinity, and frightening off other wildlife. Her beleaguered parents, grandparents, and their solicitous friends try valiantly to stem the flow, from lullabies to Mozart and an impromptu gig by the grandfather, without success. At first it seems that older brother Daniel’s phrase, “oonga boonga,” will soothe the fractious infant. However, after Daniel leaves and nothing, not even “oonga boonga,” will calm Louise, readers realize that it is Daniel’s very presence that keeps her in smiles. Thompson’s eloquent illustrations reflect both the comical and endearingly tender facets of the tale, providing a sparkling counterpart to Wishinsky’s vivacious text. (Picture book. 2-6)