The Table Sets Itself by Ben Clanton Ages 4-8 40 pages Walker September 2013 Hardcover     Izzy’s mom wants her to set the table for dinner. At first, Izzy and her friends Dish, Fork, Knife, Spoon, Cup, and Napkin eagerly take their proper spots at the table. However, they begin to be bored with their spots after a few nights, and decide to experiment with different table settings. Izzy’s parents draw the line at Izzy sitting on top of the dinner table and order everyone back to their usual positions. This causes Dish and Spoon to revolt and run away together to Europe! Can Izzy persuade her friends to return home and make up a proper table setting? This book uses gentle, silly humor to teach children about the redeeming qualities of even mundane and seemingly tedious tasks. The jokes and funny illustrations are sure to elicit giggles, and perhaps even encourage a child or two to willingly set the table for dinner!     web reviews   Usha Rao/2013 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)