L.O.L G.O.A.T. laughs out loud

The creators ofG.O.A.T. Greatest of All Time (2024) return to wring humor out of yet another initialism. Reading a copy ofG.O.A.T., Goat exclaims, "L.O.L.!" Literal-minded Duck objects: Goat isn't actually laughing, much less out loud. Duck proposes many other interpretations: L.O.L. could mean "Lizards on Logs," "Lobsters Overheating Lasagna," "Lemurs Ordering Lattes," "Lambs Opening Locks," "Lucky Orangutan Lamp," and a half dozen other examples--each more strained than the last and none of them the slightest bit likely to elicit a chuckle, much less an audible laugh from either Goat or readers. Finally, having squashed every bit of Goat's joy, Duck spontaneously bids farewell to the unamused Goat: "Later, Old Lad." For whatever reason (relief that Duck is finally giving up?), this makes Goat bust a belly laugh--and unfortunately inspires a few Last Outrageous Lines: "Look Out, Lunkheads!" "Leap Out Left!" Challenger gallantly makes the best of this situation, with more colorful, wacky, goggle-eyed animals striking exaggerated poses, but scenes of Goat gagging over an unappetizing bowl of seeds ("Lumpy Old Lentils") or a big cat reclining on a throne and eating grapes ("Lion of Luxury") are unlikely to tickle most kids' funny bones. Lamentably Overdone Laughs.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.