Dozens of Doughnuts

LouAnn has the perfect treat to fill her up and last her through the long winter months. But just as she’s sitting down to her plate of “one dozen doughnuts, hot from the pan, ” the doorbell rings and she graciously shares half her doughnuts with Woodrow the woodchuck. As friend after friend shows up just as LouAnn is about to finally get to taste the doughnuts, and her good manners require her to give up her own share in deference to her guests while she makes more and more batches of delicious doughnuts she never gets to taste, finally LouAnn has had enough! With a “ROAR!” worthy of a bear and a tantrum reminiscent of a toddler (after her friends have departed), LouAnn settles down only to be met with one final “Ding! Dong!” A heartfelt apology, complete with the friends making enough doughnuts to satisfy LouAnn (and still have enough to share) bring this delightful book full circle. Original rhymes (interrupted to great effect by the recurring “Ding! Dong!”) and pleasant cadence make this a read aloud readers will want to return to again and again for storytime. While LouAnn’s fit goes disappointedly unaddressed, the animal’s apology for their thoughtlessly taking advantage of LouAnn’s generosity is lovely, and both offer opportunities for follow up discussions. Farley’s illustrations (which continue the story onto the endpapers!) have a special distinctive character that is utterly enjoyable and full of personality.