When a family acquires a new couch, they discover that a strange man comes along with it. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Nothing says comfy like a couch. But what if the family sofa comes with a wacky-looking blue creature instead of a decorative pillow? Such is the dilemma faced by a family in this quirky picture book. When young Sophie's overzealous pup, Roscoe, chomps up the old couch, the search is on for a replacement. Dad finds the perfect model at the rummage yard even though a blue Muppet-like fellow seems permanently attached to it. Back at home, Sophie's family can't get any response from the guy who, doctors say, suffers from extreme "upholsterosis," the ultimate couch-potato state until an urgent situation arises and the family's new blue buddy saves Sophie from harm. Slonim's (Oh Ducky! A Chocolate Calamity) multimedia paintings are both silly and clever in their depiction of a boisterous, take-charge clan. (Laugh-out-loud parental efforts to chase away the unwanted guest include a plunger pull, scraping fingernails on a chalkboard and playing the bagpipes.) Sophie's wild blond hair and bright eyes render her an endearing kid. And by book's end, Roscoe's teething tendencies ensure material for a sequel even if it's one just imagined by readers. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

K-Gr 3 Sophie's family needs a new couch. After a full day of searching, they finally find one that is just right. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, it comes with an odd-looking creature that just sits in the middle of the cushion. Resembling one of Jim Henson's Muppets, the creature, readers learn, suffers from âÇ£upholsterosisâÇ  and on doctor's orders that they get him out more, the family takes the sofa and the newcomer on a cross-country journey. Slonim's very funny picture book will appeal to children with a taste for the zany. Told from Sophie's point of view, the understated text is often at hilarious juxtaposition with the illustrations. The colorful artwork will appeal to fans of David Shannon's work as will the tongue-in-cheek storytelling. Libraries looking for a book that generates laughs need look no further. Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information