How Back-Back Got His Name

By: Thomas Weck and Peter Weck 
Illustration by: Len DiSalvo
Publisher: Lima Bear Press
Publication Date: July 2011
ISBN: 978-1933872148
Reviewed by: Ellen Feld
Review Date: June 20, 2011

Oh, no! Help! Help! Plumpton the opossum has a problem and needs his friends to help him. You see, his back has disappeared and he doesn’t know where it is! It’s an EEE-mergency! Will Plumpton’s friends be able to help him find his back?

Maskamal the raccoon, Lima Bear, and Whistle-Toe the rabbit come to Plumpton’s aid and try to solve the mystery of his missing (or is it suddenly invisible?) back? Unable to come up with a solution, Plumpton tells his friends that he does his best thinking while hanging by his tail from his favorite branch. Maskamal is a bit nervous about climbing a tree to get to the branch that seems so far up and away from the ground, but for his friend, he is willing to do anything. Unfortunately, when Maskamal tries to hang from the branch like his friend the opossum, he discovers that his tail can't hold him. He was about to fall – it’s another EEE-mergency!

Soon things get totally out of control as each friend gets into a tight spot trying to first, help Plumpton, then help Maskamal, then help Whistle-Toe (he’s locked in a cage), and so on. Will the friends ever be safely back together again? And what about Plumpton’s back?

How Back-Back Got His Name takes a tried and true topic, that of friendship, and puts a very unique spin on the subject. We all want to teach our children the value of friendship and how important it is to help others in need. This tale adds plenty of goofy humor, with bright, expressive illustrations that will engage children. There are also two pages at the back of the book to “Extend the Learning” and “Activities” with suggestion on what to do before, during and after reading the book to keep the conversation going with your youngster(s).

Quill says: A fun, engaging tale to help teach children the importance of friendship.