The big squeeze

Cleaning is fun for a sponge--until it isn't. Dirty dishes inspire an anthropomorphic green-and-yellow scrub sponge to get to work. After flexing and polishing herself, the little sponge declares herself "lean, mean, and ready to clean!" As various kitchen objects also come to life, the sponge realizes she has her work cut out for her. Carton sloshes milk on the counter. Knife leaves behind scraps. Toaster even chokes on crumbs. But after helping extra-messy Garbage Disposal and Blender, the little sponge loses her composure--and her shine--with a frustrated "EURGHHHH!" Mess continues to manifest, but the sponge ("sopping wet and bloated and the color of muck") is too dirty to continue cleaning. Just as she starts to sob and an existential crisis begins, help arrives in the form of the Rubber Glove Twins, who wring her out with a "biiiiiiiiiig squeeze." As the sponge gets the "full spa package" from even more friends, she learns how to ask for help next time. Harris' debut is a humorous foray into cleaning routines with a valuable message about avoiding burnout. Hawkins' colorful digital cartoon illustrations make even the sharpest objects feel friendly. Careful details, such as the calendar changing or new dishes being added to the sink, aid with continuity. An entertaining soak with a few suds of empathy. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.