The Three Bully Goats (Hardcover)

That's right, it's bully goats-a smart and timely idea for breathing new life into a classic. This time," the hero is the """"really nice"""" guy under the bridge: Little Ogre", who's Shrek green, sports a purple Mohawk," and is """"friends with everybody."""" He knows he's no match for Gruff", Ruff, and Tuff-goats so nasty that after crossing the bridge and entering the meadow, they proceed to trample wildflowers and head-butt baby animals. Like anyone afflicted by bullying, Little Ogre feels powerless-until he remembers the baby skunks who live in the tallest, sweetest grass. Terry's (The Three Little Gators) rendering style, which look like a cross between airbrushing and pastel work, can feel too controlled and well-groomed for this tongue-in-cheek retelling; while the persecuted baby animals are funny, and the final image has a triumphant cuteness," Little Ogre only registers the broadest emotions. Kimmelman (The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah) nods to her source material with a """"trip trap"""" refrain and other rhythmic elements", but most of the fun comes from seeing a fairy tale's tables turned-and turned again. Ages 4-8. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.