School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-- Using the same vibrant acrylics and meticulous designs found in Magic Fan (1989) and Who Is the Beast? (1990, both HBJ), Baker creates a visual game of hide and seek featuring a rainbow-striped reptile. The playful snake slithers through colorful assortments of yarn, hats, cats, cakes, clocks, socks, baskets, shoe laces , and ``many places.'' Readers are invited to trace the creature's movements through its mosaic adventure--a challenging task since its multichromatic appearance allows it to blend in with the decorative surroundings. A simple rhyming text announces the reptile's destinations. Each new site is portrayed in a bright, boldly outlined double-page spread. Thematically, this title isn't as ambitious or weighty as the artist's earlier efforts, but it is no less successful or delightful. A great choice for those children wanting a little interactive play with their books. --Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
A vibrantly striped snake plays hide-and-seek in an array of imaginative locations. He starts off (``Ready or not--here I go!'') easily concealing himself among mittens and balls of yarn, then around elaborate hats, a pile of lavishly wrapped presents and napping cats. The spare but engaging verse relates this crafty creature's continueing journey: ``I'm frosting the cakes, / ticking with clocks, / melting in ice cream, / and sliding through socks.'' The socks present perhaps the greatest test to the reader, but generally the same thing gives the elusive reptile away throughout: one round eyeball and a smug smile. In the end, he tricks even the most astute snake-finder with his garden hose ploy. Though simple in concept, this book provides a diverting, entertaining challenge that youngsters will relish. Baker's ( The Magic Fan ) elaborate acrylic designs, variety of lush hues and sly wit provide a feast for the eyes while maintaining the cohesive personality of the book from page to page. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
A colorfully patterned snake plays hide-and-seek, beckoning to the reader. Each double-page spread uses an intriguing palette, multitextured designs, and sinuous elements to hide the snake. The verse is weak, and the book may not be challenging or hold much interest after the first reading. From HORN BOOK 1991, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Hidden among other patterns as repetitive and brightly colored as his own variegated stripes, a snake challenges readers to discover him in one picture after another: ``I'm playing with toys/twisting `round vases,/weaving through baskets,/and tangling with laces.'' The text doesn't add much here, but Baker's bold, handsomely stylized art is sure to amuse with its many clever pseudo-snakes and intriguing camouflages of the real one. (Picture book. 3-8)
Booklist Review
Ages 3-5. A friendly snake winds its way through everyday objects and invites readers or observers to discover its hiding place on each double-spread illustration. A minimum of text allows the child to focus on that favorite activity of finding a hidden object within a drawing. The brightly patterned snake worms its way through objects that are presented in both ordinary and unusual ways. The dust-jacket patterns are continued on the endpapers. A fun book to share. (Reviewed Nov. 15, 1991)0152339868Karen Hutt
