DING DONG DING DONG

PLB 0-7868-2367-4 Outrageous puns, sly references, and wonderfully exaggerated pastels are just the ticket from the team behind Zoom Broom (1998). The Big Guy is a giant ape, neat in his white shirt and khakis, trying to sell Ape-On Cosmetics door-to-door. Despite his degree in Monkey Business, he can’t seem to unload any Ape-ricot Lip Gloss or Banana Cream Facial. Clutching his selling handbook, he decides to move from the wilds to “Gotham. Metropolis. Big Apple.” He’s ready to work his way up, even when he’s handed a pail and a squeegee. The Big Galoot works his way up to the 81st floor of the Empire State Building where a blonde beauty inspires him to try one more sale. He’s got her in the palm of his hand, when he takes a huge tumble and is discovered by a Hollywood agent. Readers won’t need to know King Kong or recognize the numerous cultural and commercial homages to be in stitches. Fine’s luxurious palette and angled perspectives add to the broad humor. (Picture book. 4-8)