From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2—This book is designed to look like a suitcase, complete with a cut-out handle that makes it easy to tote around. Settled aboard a train, Sammy and his older cousin Max are off to visit Pop-Pop and Grammy Sue. As Max snoozes away, one problem after another arises, each quickly and competently solved by Sammy with the contents of his amazing suitcase. In different spreads, readers lift flaps to open the bag, deploying a smorgasbord of food for hungry passengers, a tool kit to repair the broken-down engine, a crane to move cows off the tracks, and more. After the travelers reach their destination and are warmly greeted by their grandparents, Sammy and his suitcase save the day once again during the car trip home. While the tale seems focused more on a concept than on storytelling, the bright-hued illustrations are filled with amusing details and the pop-ups are fairly sturdy, well executed, and entertaining. A supplemental purchase.—
Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Lisa Rojany Buccieri has 17 years experience in publishing, specializing in novelty formats and unique children’s books. She has worked at several major publishers and has written nearly 100 children’s books. She lives in suburban Los Angeles with her husband and three daughters.
Sachiko Yoshikawa moved to San Francisco from Japan in 1988 to study art. She has illustrated numerous books for young readers. She lives in Washington state.
Bruce Foster is the paper engineer behind dozens of elaborate pop-up books for both publishers and fine art museums. Bruce’s pop-up magic also appeared in Disney’s new movie,
Enchanted. Bruce lives with his wife, Lori, and daughters, Nicole and Lydia, in Houston, Texas.
