Willy And Hugh

Willy and Hugh

From Kirkus ReviewsThe appealing Willy the Wimp (1984) is back, still a left- out little chimp in a world of sturdy gorillas--at least until he literally runs into huge Hugh. Both apologize politely, and soon become fast friends. Hugh faces down the bullies who like to torment Willy; Willy saves Hugh from a spider. The outline is familiar, but Browne's deftly limned art caricaturing people as apes speaks volumes; the friends gazing anxiously through the bars at humans on view at the zoo, and a scene at the library-- where Willy reads to Hugh while elderly patrons glare--are priceless. A treat. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ?1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.Willy the chimpanzee is lonely until he meets Hugh Jape in the park, and the two become friendsFrom School Library JournalKindergarten-Grade 3-- In his third book featuring Willy the chimp, Browne presents an "odd couple" friendship. As the book opens, Willy is lonely and friendless. His friend Millie, from Willy the Wimp (1985) and Willy the Champ (1986, both Knopf) is inexplicably missing. At the park, Willy literally runs into a massive primate named Hugh Jape, and the two immediately become friends. Hugh easily scares off Willy's nemesis, Buster Nose, who comes around looking for trouble; Willy returns the favor when Hugh is spooked by a spider. There are some nice touches of humor, including a scene at the zoo, where a wide-eyed human family sits in a cage. Browne uses a variety of media--watercolor, colored pencil, ink--to produce lively illustrations. His wash backgrounds provide a perfect home for his intricately drawn, expressive characters; the pictures not only illustrate the text, but also enhance it. Kids will relish the agony on the faces of muscular apes jogging in the park. This touching story of friendship will delight readers. --George Delalis, Oakland Public Library, CACopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.