THE LISZTS - Kyo Maclear (illustrated by Julia Sarda)

Admittedly, it's been decades since I read a picture book geared for kids of kindergarten age to age four, but as a compulsive list maker myself the description of Kyo Maclear's latest, The Liszts, was intriguing.  Wonderfully (and perfectly) illustrated by Julia Sarda, Maclear depicts the Liszt family - mother, father, their three kids and a grandfather - who spend all their days and nights making lists of everything from their favorite sports figures to ranking their favorite musical artists and even those they admire or who admire them.  Lists, lists, the house is filling up with lists to the point of overflowing ... and when a stranger arrives on their doorstep he finds himself hopelessly rejected because - what else - he's not on the lists!  A story of getting so caught up in keeping your life organized, you leave no room for spontaneity, The Liszts is a lyrical, whimsical and wonderfully-written tale featuring beautiful artwork that will keep kids turning the pages, if not turn them back again for the almost gothic look of the Liszts's colorful world.  ****1/2

Note: I received a free ARC of this title via NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.