Ping Wants to Play

PreS-Gr 3—This new addition to the series introduces readers to Ping and his good friend Pong. These two canine pals have side by side doghouses and love eating and walking together. But while Pong heads into his house for a nap, Ping goes into her house and comes out as Super-Ping (yes, she is wearing a cape). Super-Ping likes to run and jump and now wonders if she can fly (with the help of a ramp and trampoline). As usual, flying is easy; it's the landing that's tricky. Luckily, Ping (even Super-Ping) can count on her pal Pong to help her when she's in need. The simple, single-sentence-per-page text is matched by Gudeon's effective, childlike illustrations. His uncluttered ink drawings with digital coloring are a great match for the text. Who knew black oval eyes could be so expressive? The addition of a peanut gallery for Super-Ping consisting of a bird, squirrel, and cat adds additional humor and concern for her antics. This early reader in a picture book format serves both audiences well and works as a read-alone or as a read-aloud.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH