2/5

After reading and enjoying Robert Weinstock's recent collection of poems, Food Hates You, Too, I immediately began looking about for more of his work, and came across this rather surreal picture-book. The tale of a giant meatball who, careening merrily around the countryside, wreaks havoc wherever he goes, it has the kind of odd-ball humor that will appeal to children who appreciate the bizarre and offbeat.

Sure to win giggles from young readers and listeners, the meatball's bouncy progress is depicted in simple, cartoon-like illustrations, created in Adobe Illustrator. The conclusion, in which he meets his (inevitable?) end, is deliciously satisfying. I myself was left wondering what food-related caper Weinstock will dream up next. ( )