The Panda Problem by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Hannah Marks

A delightfully roly-poly panda wreaks hilarious havoc in the latest addition to the popular genre of books bending the traditional picture book narrative.

The story begins, like all stories do, with a problem. But wait! This panda has no problem. No problem? How can there be a story with no problem? A hilarious conversation ensues between the increasingly exasperated narrator and the cheerfully indifferent panda, munching away on bamboo, as the narrator tries to get the story going and the panda just. won't. cooperate! But wait, the panda has an idea! Maybe the problem in this book... is the panda! What if the panda starts...play a banjo? Chaos ensues until suddenly the panda (and the panda's double) DO have a real problem - they're hungry! A bargain is struck and the story comes to its silly and satisfying conclusion.

Hannah Marks produces an excellent illustrator debut with her mischievous panda and ensuing problems. From the innocently pleased panda in a leafy bower of bamboo to the chaos of jellybeans, banjos, aliens, and penguins, Marks' sweet cartoons will keep kids laughing as they blend perfectly with Underwood's exasperated prose.

Verdict: This is a delightful addition to picture books breaking the fourth wall; Read for a riotous storytime and listen to the growing giggles of your audience as they follow the wacky adventures of this naughty panda. I've read this to about 600 kids before school ended and all universally acclaimed it!

ISBN: 9780735228504; Published April 2019 by Dial Books; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library