Otto

K-Gr 3—A dapper, redheaded boy loves cars so much that he wakes up one morning to find that he has become one. But not just any car-he's a flashy, red sports car. During the day he learns that his new form definitely isn't what it's cracked up to be. He can't eat his wheelie cereal for breakfast. Auto/Otto can't fit on the bus and has to drive himself to school. He becomes frustrated while stuck in miserable traffic and is late. At recess, no playground for him. His only option is to drive laps around it. Bedtime finally arrives and a doleful Otto listens to his mom: "Everyone has to switch gears sometime." Otto wakes up a changed boy and is open to new experiences. An unexpected ending wraps up this story beautifully, providing opportunity for discussion of this multithemed gem. Magoon sets the mood on the end pages with Otto driving a sports car. The digital illustrations are saturated with bold colors and pop off the page. Body language and facial expressions are priceless, and there are many delightful details for readers to pore over. LaReau cleverly sprinkles car speak throughout the story. Otto's mother calls him "my little speedster." His friends are named Chevy, Mini, and Kia, and his teacher Mrs. Dodge. A winner, whether sharing with a group or in a one-on-one setting.—Anne Beier, Clifton Public Library, NJ