Hey, Bruce! An interactive book

K-Gr 2--Thistle, Rupert, and Nibbs explain what an interactive book is and then tell the reader in speech bubbles to tap Bruce, a large curmudgeonly sleeping blue bear, on the shoulder, or rock the book, or find him a couch. Waking up Bruce is a challenge, so the three mice constantly break the fourth wall and ask the reader to take an active part in their scheme. Fans of Bruce's other picture books will not be disappointed with this volume. Bruce and his adorable mouse friends are engaging and giggle-provoking with the turn of every page; the fanciful illustrations, created using graphite, ink and Photoshop, will keep readers engaged throughout this kinetic text. VERDICT Children will relate to the anthropomorphized characters and enjoy every mishap in this laughter-inducing tale that will surely entertain energetic young animal enthusiasts.--Elena Schuck

Sleeping is never the solution when your friends are around! Rupert, Thistle, and Nibbs are three enthusiastic, toddlerlike mice who are full of questions and ready to continue their story, this time by breaking the fourth wall and leading their audience through an interactive (hyperactive?) reading experience. But first they want advice from Bruce, a blue bear who has been "in lots of books," not coincidentally, those created by the tale's celebrated author/illustrator, Higgins. The last thing Bruce wants to do is interact, however--he just wants to sleep! Readers and listeners are invited to close their eyes and tap, rock, tilt, shake, lift, and wobble the book and sketch on it with their fingers in order to move Bruce around and wake him up, though poor Bruce fights his friends at every turn, hoping only for some decent shut-eye. While adults will likely identify with the sleepy bear, kids will love the relentless energy of the mice, the accessible humor and wordplay, the very comical illustrations of the poor beleaguered Bruce, and the opportunity to move the book itself around and try to wake Bruce. Perfect for active and curious kids, this is sure to be a hit with young listeners and early readers alike. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A pun-filled, laugh-out-loud treat. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.