ALBIDARO AND THE MISCHIEVOUS DREAM

Lester’s original fable is clever, but ultimately disappointing.

All the kids in the world are tired of doing as they’re told, so their teddy bears send them a dream telling them to say “no” to their folks. High on his mountain, Albidaro, the Guardian of Children, hears the dream. To play a trick on his sister (Olara, the Guardian of Animals) he tells the dream to visit all the animals too. Pandemonium ensues. Though it allows for some funny scenarios (“Olara swooped down. ‘What do you think you’re doing?’ . . . ‘Trying to make this par three, if you’ll be quiet,’ one monkey replied”), Lester takes a long time to set it up, and the story ultimately feels ungrounded, as it is difficult to identify the symbolism or message. Lester’s language is intricate and often lovely, but tends toward the sentimental here. He uses “sweet,” “flower,” “teddy bears,” “dream,” “happy,” “butterfly,” and “heart” all in one sentence. The terms “hippopatamussesessssss” and “rhinossyhorses” feel out of place, as the rest of the language is very straightforward.

Pinkney’s mixed-media illustrations are colorful, spirited, and as gorgeous as anything he’s ever done, but fail to save this story.