Oh, Sal

Things are changing at Sal’s house. It’s Christmastime and there is a new baby in the house taking a lot much of Mama’s attention, a baby without a name. Papa and Mama can’t decide what to name the baby. Uncle Jake is coming to visit, and he calls Sal “Salamander,” which really makes her mad. Sal’s favorite Christmas gift was a set of underpants—one for every day of the week with a different flower on each pair. But she has misplaced one pair, her favorite pair, with a poppy on them. Everyone pitches in and looks for them, but they seem to have disappeared. Poor Sal.

Kevin Hankes has written a fun story that will keep emerging readers fully engaged as they try to solve the mystery of the disappearing underpants. This is a story lots of youngsters will relate to with a new baby in the family, Mother’s attention being stolen away, unwanted visitors showing up, and other everyday problems. Henkes’s cute black-and-white illustrations decorate the text. He seems to have stayed in touch with his inner child, as the story is perfect for very young readers.