Those Green Things

What might those green things around the house really be? Monsters, worms and Martians are much more fun than spinach and socks, after all!

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2 A little girl's inquiries and imagination run wild with her interpretation of what Those Green Things throughout her house arelizards in the laundry basket, not socks; unripe bugs and worms rather than a spinach omelette. After several questions, her exhausted mother finally announces that green Martians are taking her to Mars ``so that you can't ask me any more questions about those green things.'' The little girl does ask one more question, however, and children see a grinning mother who knows how to take a joke. The rhythm and strong story sequence make this an appropriate choice for story hours or group reading sessions. The full-page illustrations, done in soft washes, show what the little girl imagines the various objects to be and add to the fun. An imaginative book that exhibits an understanding of what children think is funny. Rebecca Jennings, Adrian Public Library, Mich.

Kathy Stinson is the best-selling author of more than 20 books for children and young adults. She lives outside Toronto.

Deirdre Betteridge has illustrated many picture books for children, including Bright Red Kisses and Mommy Works, Daddy Works. She also works as a graphic designer and art director, and has developed a line of Carlton Greeting Cards. Deirdre lives with her husband and two children outside Toronto.