Mervin the Sloth Is About to Do the Best Thing in the World [Hardcover]

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 whatisthe best thing in the world? What is Mervin about to do? 

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.

This inventive picture book balances zany, pitch-perfect humor with warmth and heart—and irresistibly huggable animal characters. Fans ofThe Book with No PicturesandThe Monster at the End of This Bookwill 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.

Mervin the Sloth is about to do the best thing in the world.

Can you guess what it is?

“Flying!” says the bird.

“Gazelling!” says the gazelle.

“Digging!” says the prairie dog.

Hurry up, Mervin! But Mervin moves so slowly. Are you patient enough to wait? No? Turn the page!  

Mervin has top billing, but the real star of Venables semi-metafictional story is the title itself&The repartee&and Chans cartoon choreographing of the argumentative cast crackle with silly energy.A best thing, indeed. &Chans 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.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.