BEATRICE DOESN’T WANT TO

“Beatrice didn’t like books. She didn’t even like to read. More than that, she hated going to the library.” Unfortunately, her older brother Henry has to do his homework there and look after Beatrice as well. Henry unsuccessfully tries to interest her in the books. She watches him work and drives him crazy. The next day, she says she’ll wait for him in a big, comfy chair, but she gets bored and drives him crazy again. On the third day, Henry sees a storytime advertised and drops her off. Though she fights it, the story of Albert Mouse wins her over, and Beatrice asks to look at the book herself afterwards. When Henry comes to get her, she says, “I don’t want to!” As usual Munsinger’s watercolor animals—in this case, dogs—are charmingly expressive. Watching Beatrice’s face as she comes around is particularly wonderful. While big people might see the end coming, the target audience will enjoy the twist and wish for further adventures. (Picture book. 2-6)