While being tucked into bed, Matthew tells his mother of all the fantastical things he had seen and experienced during the day, such as a tyrannosaurus squirrel in the tree castle and singing elephants who woke him in the morning, but finishes up his tale by letting her know that her kiss good-night was his most favorite thing of all. Kindergarten-Grade 3-When Matthew's mom asks, "What was your favorite thing today?" as she tucks him in for the night, the boy launches into a lengthy account of his fantastic adventures. He begins with the elephant band that roused him in the morning, goes on to a trophy-winning auto race to school, an encounter with a tyrannosaurus squirrel, and a voyage to planet Wisconsin, and concludes with winning yet another trophy-this time for a water race in the tub. Mom plays along and her comments of amazement and interest are peppered throughout her son's vivid narration. In the end, the child's favorite thing is something much closer to home. Huliska-Beith's animated illustrations, done in acrylic and paper and fabric collage and placed on textured backgrounds, humorously depict Matthew's escapades. Plaid-eared elephants cavort around his bedroom singing and playing instruments. Race cars and garbage trucks sport droll fabric and paper designs. While youngsters may experience some confusion trying to follow the twists and turns of the imaginary adventures, they will surely enjoy the trip. And those alert enough to notice that many of the toys scattered around Matthew's room appear as creatures or objects in his stories may be inspired to think of some inventive ways to use their own toys as well. Marianne Saccardi, Norwalk Community College, CT Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. PreS-Gr. 2. In answer to a question about his favorite thing since morning, a boy constructs a tall-tale day full of car races, talking animals, and supersonic speedboats. Each time his mother thinks she has heard Matthew's favorite thing, he piles on a new, exciting incident. Reminiscent of Lane Smith's work, Huliska-Beith's large acrylic paintings, which incorporate bits of fabric and paper, complement the energetic story with thick, vibrant colors and slightly off-kilter perspectives. There's nothing highly original in the plot or the ending (the toys in Matthew's bedroom correspond to his stories), but the prose reads well, and the pictures are pleasing, with small, clever touches of humor to keep little ones occupied. Kathleen Odean Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved Kimberly Brubaker Bradley lives on a forty-two-acre farm in Bristol, Tennessee. She is the author of several books for children, including Leap of Faith , Jefferson's Sons , and The War That Saved My Life.