School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 5-The lovable diapered possum, Mama's "sweet little patootie," stars in another charming book, this time a variation of the Southern folktale "Sody Sallyraytus." On Epossumondas's birthday, Mama's plans to make his favorite light fluffy biscuits come to a halt when she discovers that she is out of sody sallyraytus. She asks one after another of the guests to "scoot over to the store" to buy some, and, unfortunately, they meet up with a hungry "GREAT, HUGE, UGLY LOUISIANA SNAPPING TURTLE!" It's up to Epossumondas to rescue them. Salley's text is alive with the colorful expressions of the South ("Well, I swaney" and "Honey, you're gooder 'n' grits"), which make the story a delight to read aloud. Stevens's hilarious mixed-media illustrations are a perfect match for the narrative. The visual details create lovable characters as well as a truly frightening villain. Mama's purple glasses and shoes, Epossumondas's diaper and the inexplicable safety pin hanging on his tale, and the Louisiana setting are all unforgettable. Children will love listening to the tale and will laugh out loud at the verbal expressions and the artwork. This one belongs on the shelves of every library, but it won't stay there long.-Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.