MERVIN THE SLOTH IS ABOUT TO

DO THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD

 

GREENWILLOW (2016)

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Mervin the Sloth is just standing there quietly when giant letters drop onto the page: “Mervin the Sloth is about to do the best thing in the world.” But what is the best thing in the world? What is Mervin about to do? 

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It doesn’t take long for all of Mervin’s exuberant animal friends to barge in with their own ideas. Flying! Digging! Gazelling! Wait, gazelling? Is that even a word?

If only sloths weren’t so slow! Because maybe it’s something even better. But only Amy the red panda sticks around to see it.

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This inventive picture book balances zany, pitch-perfect humor with warmth and heart—and irresistibly huggable animal characters. Fans of The Book with No Pictures and The Monster at the End of This Book will delight in the way it plays with form, makes you laugh out loud, and introduces us all to our new, very slow-moving best friend.

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“Mervin has top billing, but the real star of Venable’s semi-metafictional story is the title itself…The repartee…and Chan’s cartoon choreographing of the argumentative cast crackle with silly energy.” -- Publishers Weekly

“A best thing, indeed. …Chan’s appealing, cartoon-style watercolor illustrations enhance the humor of the text throughout the picture book and employ a distinct, memorable style. A book to hug close and then share with a friend.” -- Kirkus Reviews

“Emerging readers will delight in reading this metafiction narrative. ...The simple, distinguished watercolor illustrations create drama, and the details on every page invite repeated viewings. A fabulous choice for young readers and for storytime sharing.” -- School Library Journal