Fodo Dodo goes fishing

In this modest but thoroughly enjoyable tribute to pretend play, a home's combination bathroom/laundry room boasts a clawfoot bathtub "boat" and laundry basket "fishing hole." Fodo Dodo, who resembles a long-eared dog and wears a yellow rain hat, is thrilled about having hooked an "underguppy"--a pair of small, red-striped underpants--and diminutive comrade Noodle, a cublike critter sporting a pink hat with round ears, suggests they "cook" it in a pot. Their plans for a festive meal are thwarted, however, when cat-eared character Dimple enters, asserts ownership of and confiscates the underpants, and firmly refuses to play along ("I said NO, Noodle"). No matter: back in the boat, Fodo Dodo and Noodle nestle down to watch Return of the Underguppies--revealed to be the goings-on behind the in-use front-loading washing machine's see-through door. Manceau (Tickle Monster) establishes the action along a single plane and provides just enough crisply outlined, bright detail in front of white backgrounds to convey the sense of a comfy home set up for play. With self-assured characters and snappy pacing, it's a simple angling story that's as streamlined and functional as a pair of underpants. Ages 3--6. (Aug.)

Two animal playmates embark on an imaginary fishing expedition. Fodo Dodo and Noodle are wearing their raincoats, hats, and boots. They are ready to go fishing, and the bathtub is the perfect boat. On the first cast of their toy fishing rod, Fodo Dodo and Noodle snag a striped pair of underwear from the laundry--it's the elusive "underguppy"! The two sailors fry up the underguppy for dinner (by mixing it really well in a bowl) and invite their friend Dimple to the meal. But the underguppy, er, underpants, look suspiciously familiar to Dimple! Dimple is not amused and demands to have them back. Luckily, Fodo Dodo and Noodle are undeterred. They climb back in their boat for yet another adventure. Translated from French, the simple, cheery text matches the bright, uncluttered art. Fodo Dodo and Noodle stand out against a stark white backdrop, heavily outlined in black and full of silly, cross-eyed emotion. Youngsters who dive headfirst into imaginative play will find kinship with these two venturesome pals. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A small bit of fun that just may inspire a bathtub boat of one's own. (Picture book. 2-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.