Day 11: The End of the Scrum

Jack was in a better mood today, but there's a reason we're now 2 days behind! We've finally winnowed down to the last 16 teams, and 48 great books have gone on the shelf. The last 15 read-offs will all be knockdown drag-out brawls, and at this point every book is one of Jack's favorites.

Sandra Boynton Region
1. The Monster at the End of this Book vs. 9. Doggy Kisses 123

My wife read these two (and the 12/13 later in this match-up). Even with the Doggy Kisses in the title, "The Monster at the End of this Book" came through again. My wife's reading of this one was better than mine, and her portrayal of Grover's terror made Jack laugh hard.

Dr. Seuss Region
12. The Poky Little Puppy vs. 13. Little Wisconsin
My wife read these too, and the 12 seed had really impressed both of us. It's old enough (1st Ed. 1942) to follow some predictable storytime beats, but it also has surprises (dogs can hear desserts, for instance). Maybe Jack has memorized all of the riddles in "Little Wisconsin," or maybe he really likes puppies. We'll see what happens against "Mr. Brown Can Moo!"

Beatrix Potter Region
1. Tiny T.Rex and the Impossible Hug vs. 9. Some Babies are Wild
This one was pretty close! "Tiny T.Rex" came through and will face off against "Richard Scarry's the Bunny Book" in the Sweet 16. I love this book.

Shel Silverstein Region
11. The Spooky Tail of Prewitt Peacock vs. 3. Go West!
"Prewitt" is going to be in the rotation for a long time, but "Go West!'" caught his attention today. It may have a slight edge over "The Snowy Day" to get into the Elite 8, too.

Tomorrow, the Sweet 16! The lowest point a high-paid coach can get to every year and call it a "successful season."