The great aaa-ooo!

K-Gr 2-Some unknown creature lives in the great dark woods. Up in a tree, Mouse and Owl each place blame on the other for a loud howl that disturbs the night: "Who, hoo-hoo, is making this awful AAA-OOO?" Bear then joins them, followed by Moose, Duck, Goose, Dove, and, finally, a wolf cub, each musing aloud about the monster that would make that sound and just what it would eat. While they scramble higher to escape, their combined weight suddenly causes the tree's overloaded branches to collapse. Eight falling woodland creatures-each with a distinctive sound-tumble from the tree, revealing the origin of the hauntingly fearful cry of "AAA-OOO!" A dramatic contrast of large white font on black pages highlights rhythmic text, repetition, and a delightful feast of onomatopoeia (including the sounds of each sleeping animal), while a striking collage of woodland creatures accentuates the action. VERDICT A first purchase for all libraries, this story would also be adaptable for a classroom discussion of the spooky setting, climax, and predictions for its ending.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Who or what is making that frightful noise in the night and keeping the animals awake?Mouse hears the AAA-OOO! first, followed by Owl, Bear, Moose, Duck, Goose, and Dove. Each embellishes the description of the monster and what will befall them. Well be plucked, stuffed, and roasted, and put in a pie! Desperate, they climb higher and higher into the tree where they have sought refuge until a loud, resounding crack! sends them all tumbling to the ground. It is at this point that the source of the awful sound is uncovered; Wolf Cub, who does not like to be alone in the dark, lonely woods. Bear comforts him and the animals can go back to sleep until that famous morning alarm clock, the rooster, rouses them on the endpapers. Lambert peppers his familiar-feeling cumulative tale with many sounds from the animals and the tree when its under stress. Young listeners will certainly enjoy joining an increasingly loud chorus. The digital illustrations depict glossy, colorful animals against a solid black background. Their faces are expressive, and their movements are energetic. Adults sharing this title with children may find it more suitable as a read-aloud during daytime than as a bedtime story. Shout along with the animals in the forest in an entertaining who-said-it tale. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.