Pretend by Jennifer Plecas--ADVISABLE

Plecas, Jennifer. Pretend.Philomel, 2011. $15.99. PICTURE BOOK. When jimmy tells his dad to pretend that the couch they are on is really a boat floating in the ocean, an imaginary journey begins.  In their pretend adventure, they sail among sharks, go fishing, cook up their catch, sail towards an island, and imagine great fun together. Plecas's book is good enough for both an adult and a child to enjoy, and it can help a reader clearly see the power of the imagination. But what is perhaps the best part of the book is that the characters (especially the dad) have clearly defined characters with a personality, and that is not common in every picture book.   PreK, EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE. Brent Smith, Reading Teacher.