Square Eyes words and music by Craig Smith

Ill. by Scott Tulloch. Scholastic New Zealand, 2014. ISBN: 9781775432692
(Age: 3-6) Recommended. Listen to the enclosed CD for another exciting song by Craig Smith, much-loved creator of The Wonky Donkey and Willbee the Bumblebee. Sing along to Square Eyes as Panda and his friends sit on the couch all day and watch television. A beanie-wearing bee warns his friends not to let the day waste away. After some initial difficulties the turtle, lemur, owl and panda are encouraged to try dancing, play games and read at the library. Book surfing, swimming in the ool - no 'p' please, climbing trees and baking cookies are great suggestions. Panda is not quite convinced, every time the chorus is sung, of course, he's back on the couch watching another show. Craig Smith suggests hiking in the hills, doing chores or learning an instrument, at the end of a busy day, the four friends are back on the couch napping.
Scott Tulloch's bold paintings complement the lyrics, Panda's tv snack is bamboo in a popcorn box! He imaginatively uses the white spaces as the characters zoom in from different directions on bikes, scooters, surfboards and books.
Another entertaining song and story picture book from Craig Smith.
Rhyllis Bignell