Blocks

Ruby has red blocks, Benji blue. The two play separately--until Benji picks up one of Ruby's. A tug-of-war ensues and ends with one big pile of mixed-up blocks. When the pair realizes that two colors are better than one, they begin building again, with grander and more colorful results. With simple mixed-media illustrations and preschool-drama-filled text, this book makes a first-rate read-aloud.

Ruby has red blocks, while Benji's are blue. The two play quietly and separately with their own blocks -- until Benji picks up one of Ruby's red ones. A brief tug-of-war ensues ("'Mine!' says Ruby. / 'Mine!' says Benji") and ends with each falling backward ("CRASH!"), creating one big pile of mixed-up blocks ("Uh-oh"). When the pair realizes that two colors are better than one, they begin building again -- this time together, with grander and more colorful results. The final page shows a third child, Guy, pulling a wagon of green blocks: "What will they do now?" Young audiences know the answer, and the endpapers prove them right with a display of creative items built out of red, blue, and green blocks. Dickson's picture-book debut is thoughtfully illustrated and designed. Against white backgrounds, the mixed-media illustrations keep things simple, the children's clothing color-coordinated with their blocks and their facial expressions clear and easy to read. The book's shape is fittingly square, and on the eye-catching cover the title is cleverly spelled out with alphabet blocks. With its spare but preschool-drama-filled text, this attractive book makes a first-rate read-aloud. jennifer m. brabander