Not everyone can take the most well-known and clichd similes in the English language and turn them into a story that will hold the interest of young readers, but Leedy has done just that. Rufus is a fox on a mission. He sneaks into Babette the sheep's yard like a thief in the night, roaring like a lion until she is shaking like a leaf. Then the chase is on: The two swim a river (cold as ice), climb into a cave (dark as night) and finally step into the lightof a surprise party for Babette. The brilliantly colored digital illustrations cleverly depict the simileswhen Rufus is as fast as lightning, his head perches atop a thunderbolt, and when Babette is as angry as a hornet, her head adorns the body of the insect. Meanwhile, their friendsa sort of Greek choruscomment on the action, incorporating more similes into the text. Includes a thorough definition of a simile and ideas for writing a similar simile story. As welcome as springtime to teachers, aspiring writers and any who appreciate wordplay. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

K-Gr 2-Rufus, a spunky fox in suspenders, rudely startles his friend Babette, a lamb, by roaring "like...a lion." She gets "mad...as a hornet" and chases him, and he eventually leads her to her surprise birthday party. Leedy relates this narrative entirely through similes. Her illustrations emphasize the comparisons as each protagonist is amusingly transformed from one object into another. Children may participate by guessing the upcoming change at each page turn. Apart from the main narrative, animal spectators offer up alternative descriptions of events as they unfold. Leedy includes an explanation of this figure of speech and an invitation for readers to create their own similes. Her vivid illustrations, filled with movement and wide-eyed creatures, will entertain readers. A pleasing addition to any collection.-Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.