MR. BROWN'S BAD DAY

Everything about Mr. Brown, an anthropomorphic tiger, is very important.

He does important work in an important office, and he carries a briefcase filled with very important items. Every day he goes out for lunch in the park, sitting on a bench to eat, placing his briefcase next to him, thinking important thoughts. But on this day, unforeseen events disturb his usually predictable day. Mr. Brown’s briefcase has disappeared, and he sees a baby elephant is holding it as its carriage is wheeled away. So the mad chase begins. Just as he nears the carriage, the briefcase becomes hooked on an ice cream cart. Next it’s on a children’s carnival ride and then carried away on a school bus. Lots of breathless running and near misses ensue. A kind child (perhaps a koala) lends him a bike, and off he goes following the bus. Finally, nearly spent, he meets the children alighting from the bus, claims his briefcase and heads home. In a nice twist readers learn the contents of the briefcase—and they are indeed important. Peacock tells the tale in easy, approachable language, with bits of delightful repetition and Mr. Brown in turn calling, shouting, bellowing, and gasping his pleas. Friend’s sophisticated cartoon illustrations are full of surprises, adding an entirely new level to the work. Mr. Brown heads a hugely diverse cast of characters who are all anthropomorphic animals, depicted quite accurately but dressing, behaving, and speaking as humans. (Few are wearing bottoms, and none wear shoes.)

Laugh-out-loud fun and a lovely sweet ending.