I’M NOT GOING OUT THERE!

Bouncy rhymes, bright colors and an entertaining punch line make this likely to amuse young listeners—at least the first time through. Repeated readings, however, may leave listeners wondering why the freckle-faced narrator shares his house with a fire-breathing dragon, a headless ghost, a pair of green-skinned witches and a group of monsters with a fondness for ballet. Perhaps, like the mention of underwear (a guaranteed laugh-getter) and the obligatory cute kittens, they’re all included for their undeniable kid appeal. Unfortunately, repetition may also reveal the sometimes awkward rhythm and occasionally strained rhymes of the brief text. Off-kilter perspectives and bold colors add interest to the illustrations (a dozen two-page spreads) as does the combination of vaguely retro furnishings and contemporary accessories. The penultimate illustration reveals the source of the narrator’s fear: his sister Kate, irate because she’s figured out who put a spider in her shoe. Siblings may smile, but even those who fight similar battles regularly will agree that this is slight entertainment at best. (Picture book. 3-6)