Lombardo, Constance. Itty Bitty Betty Blob. Micah Player, Illus. Hippo Park, 06/2024. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-66264-014-8. GRADES Kindergarten–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
It is picture day at monster school, but Betty doesn’t feel like growling like everyone else because her nature is to be smiling and positive. She practices a monster face but wonders if she will be able to pull it off. The digitally created cartoonish illustrations are dominated by black and gray, except for Betty who is pink and colorfully dressed. The text includes both sentences and dialog balloons, and there is some repetition that will assist emergent readers. Many children will relate to Betty’s conflict with her inner personality and the need to fit in with others at school, and the resolution shows she doesn’t need to compromise her spirit. Review based on an ARC.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool