The Skunk - Mac Barnett, Patrick McDonnell
After reading The Skunk (Roaring Book, $17.99), it’s clear that star author Mac Barnett and legendary comics illustrator Patrick McDonnell should’ve put their heads together to create a book long ago. McDonell’s pen-and-ink drawings are the perfect style for the comical tale of a skunk that just won’t stop sneakily following a poor man around. As the skunk shadows the man through the city, this story starts to feel like a tale of espionage hi-jinks in the tradition of Mad Magazine’s “Spy vs. Spy.” However, after he finally escapes the skunk, the man begins to miss him. You’ll have to read this hilarious picture book to find out his ridiculous solution. Ages 5-8. Sharat Buddhavarpu