My dad is the best

Two pale-skinned children compete to prove that "my dad is the best," in this goofy tale of one-upmanship. After an exaggerated opening gambit ("My dad can pick up... a truck!"), things quickly escalate as the kids continue to up the ante until cumulative lines achieve a pinnacle of absurdity ("My dad can pick up a truck filled with elephants pregnant with triplets on top of a skyscraper"). The mood softens after disastrous results predictably ensue, with the dads modeling a camaraderie that leaves everyone blushing with happiness. Playing with scale, Turu's casual cartoon-like sketches echo Pintadera's over-the-top storytelling via depictions of the protagonists that feature enlarged heads and upper bodies. A plain white backdrop places an emphasis on the kid-orchestrated antics and the warm sentiments that eventually emerge. Ages 4--8. (Apr.)

Two youngsters one-up each other, exaggerating at every turn. In this Spanish import, a tot with oversize glasses and scribbly red hair boasts, "My dad is the best." Another, brown-haired child indignantly retorts: "My dad is better!" Warming to the argument, the first child declares, "My dad can pick up…a truck!" The accompanying image depicts Dad wielding a large truck with ease. Not to be outdone, the other youngster replies, "My dad is stronger! He can pick up a truck…filled with elephants!" (The elephants look mildly concerned.) As the back-and-forth continues, each page turn reveals an even sillier addition to the feats that the dads are capable of. "My dad can pick up a truck filled with elephants that are pregnant…with triplets!" "My dad is even stronger! He can pick up a truck filled with elephants who are pregnant with triplets…on top of a skyscraper!" The two youngsters squarely face off on each spread, with one on the left page and the other on the right. A surprising climax leaves the two families closer than they ever were before. Turu sets the humorous scenes against an uncluttered white backdrop, letting readers fully explore the zany expressions and exploits of the competing families. Both children and fathers have light skin. A fiercely sweet look at familial pride.(Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.