Description:
In this kids' book debut by sisters Kara and Jenna Lareau, Rocko and Socko (a funky pair of sock-monkey twins) couldn't be more excited about buying a gift and dressing up for a big birthday party on Saturday. In a spunky collage of digital photos and kitschy-chic illustrations, the action starts quickly for these simian siblings, who tear off at the beginning of the book in a sidecar-equipped Vespa. But can they agree on what to buy at the Gift-o-Rama? And then there's deciding on the right party outfits, an equally contentious affair: "What about these boots?" asks Spanky. "Can I pull off the western look?" "Please do," says Rocko." But after some good-natured squabbling, the duo is ready to arrive at the party, fully decked out and gift in hand. The only problem: Who's birthday is it? Could these twins have possibly forgotten their own birthday? Autobiographical or not, this story certainly bears the mark of two sisters having a good time. Children's book editor Kara Lareau makes many nods to grownup readers, and illustrator and designer Jenna strikes the book's "Cha-cha-cha!" aesthetic just right, with plenty of fezzes, tiki kitsch, and fun small details--like a tiny, embedded Zippy the Pinhead strip. (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes
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