Reviewed by: The Marshmallow Incident Jeannette Hulick Barrett, Judi. The Marshmallow Incident; illus. by Ron Barrett and Paul Colin. Scholastic, 2009 32p. ISBN 978-0-545-04653-4 $16.99 Ad 5-8 yrs Long ago, the two towns of Right and Left (so named for the handedness of their residents) were separated by opposing philosophies and a painted yellow line; when a resident of Right accidentally crosses over the line into Left, the knights panic and launch the ammunition at hand—marshmallows—at the town of Right. Finally, after a confectionery pelting, "one of the knights realized how silly the whole thing was," and the two towns meet. The decision is made to abolish the line between them, peace, love, and marshmallows reign, and the occasion is henceforth commemorated annually in a campfire marshmallow-roasting event. Though this new work by the author of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (BCCB 2/79) begins promisingly, it's ultimately as fluffy and insubstantial as a marshmallow itself, as well as being rather pointless and unfocused about its fairly hackneyed message. The eradication of the yellow line is presented so suddenly and conveniently that it deflates the narrative buildup. The main appeal lies in the marshmallows and their creative uses as they are, by turns, food, ammunition, and recreational inspiration. Ron Barrett's detailed pen and ink drawings (digitally colored in muted tones by Paul Colin) effectively convey the festive faux-medieval setting. Strategic placement of marshmallows (one fallen marshmallow is made to look as though it's the tail of a rabbit, while another lands egg-like in a hen's nest) and clever signs (signs in Left bluntly state, "Righties, go home!") capitalize on the plot's humorous potential. Though this isn't as clever as it could have been, the marshmallows are diverting, and there's some seriously sweet potential for post-reading activities. Copyright © 2010 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois