Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum    by Lisa Wheeler & Laura Huliska-Beith Order:  USA  Can Little, Brown & Co., 2004 (2004) Hardcover      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson It's a cross between Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby and There Was an Old Woman (the unfortunate one who swallowed the fly) set to rap. But instead of sticky tar, we have 'Chewy-gooey bubble gum, / Icky-sticky bubble gum / Melting in the road.' What happens? 'Along comes a toad ...' and a myriad of other critters of course, all cross after getting stuck. Lisa Wheeler's verses have rhythm, their energy sizzles, and Laura Huliska-Beith's illustrations rock. That patch of pink bubble gum soon pulls in a toad, a shrew, a goose, a bee, and a crow. And, instead of Brer Fox, they're endangered by 'a big, blue truck' and 'a big-bottomed bear'. Their narrow escapes are engineered by fast chewing and a big dose of luck. Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum is joy to read from start to finish. Its catchy lines will linger on the tip of your tongue - this one's a winner! Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews