Hey, Presto! (review)

When pals Presto the cat and Monty the dog notice that a carnival is soliciting new performers, Monty proposes that they join up with their magic act and take turns at being the star. Although Presto is a model of patience and helpfulness (he quietly ensures that Monty's tricks will work), he gets no respect from Monty, who continues to star night after night and grows so pushy and arrogant ("Hey, Presto! Get me a chocolate ice cream with extra sprinkles—now!") that Presto sadly leaves when Monty is offered "a big bag of money" to do a magic show on TV. Though Monty is sure he will succeed, his show is a flop—until Presto shows up to save the day and Monty sees the error of his ways. Shireen's clever and charismatic illustrations are what really make the story work, as her big-eyed, big-headed animal characters trot their way through the amusing, richly hued world she has created. Sweet, muted blue Presto is particularly endearing, whether faithfully assisting Monty, peering out from under his rumpled black hat, or humbly taking a much-deserved bow. Even small details get funny touches, such as Monty's bag of money that is labeled "Cold Hard Cash," Presto's dragging away a resigned-looking bunny by the leg when Monty demands a new one for the act, and a pyramid of helmet-wearing penguins on a bike at the carnival. This could easily be plugged into pet-themed or magic-themed storytime lineups, used as a prompt for discussion about friendship issues, or simply enjoyed as a diverting readaloud.