Bad News! I'm in Charge!

The author and illustrator, Bruce Ingman, has created a cheerful story many older and younger kids from 3-6 years of age and up would get a kick out of hearing. The title itself is funny. While digging in some dirt, the main Character, Danny, finds a special treasure with a charter and suddenly he is put in charge of the entire land. This includes his parents and friends. Now, he gets to lord it over others and have everything his way. Danny's power is illustrated using funny scenes such as him standing on his bed lecturing his friends who stare at him in complete admiration. The simple, bright colors and the revealing expressions on the kids' faces are hilarious and very reminiscent of childhood. The artist uses dominance in several scenes, logically drawing our eye to Danny, who is the new leader of the land. The style of the art is naive and actually looks like children's art, using a simple round head, a curved line for a smile, or an open hole for an open mouth. I would recommend this book because it does artfully represent a child's wildest dreams come true - the child for once is in charge. Most kids can relate to this. By the end of the story, Danny has appointed himself President of Fun. The artist's use of acrylic paint and bright yellow and red colors adds to the silly, fun-loving personality of this children's story. The book has energy and delight. - G. Capone, LIBR. 260.01, SJSU