Waltur Paints Himself into a Corner and Other Stories, by Barbar Gregorich

Illustrated by Kristin Sorra

Rating: Very Good

Houghton Mifflin, 2007, $15.00
ISBN: 978-0618747962

Age/Grade Level: Ages 6-8

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Though I am not entirely sure if children will understand the cliche's, this was a very humorous read for adults. Waltur the bear finds himself in trouble after each warning from his friend Matilda that he should "let sleeping dogs lie," "not paint himself into a corner," and "not put the cart before the horse." Waltur literally manages to do all of these things, with comically disastrous results, and Matilda is always back at the end to help him put things to right. The loveable accident-prone bear will be appreciated by young readers, and the explanation of these saying is broken down in simple terms so that children can hopefully see some of the humor in each clever adventure.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library