I’ve started reading again to my son’s 1st and 2nd grade class.
The two books I’m mentioning this week were my first two selections, and
both were a big hit. In the middle of Bunny Party, a girl
said, “I like this book!” I beamed with satisfaction!
A writer friend pointed out to me that none of the children in Rosemary
Wells’ books are well-behaved. She does have a point. But
I still love her books about Max and Ruby. Maybe you have to have
had a bossy older sister to truly appreciate it? (Sorry, Becky, but
big sisters simply can’t help being at least a little bossy--at least in
the view of their younger siblings!) Rosemary Wells manages to teach
simple things like counting in a completely entertaining way, so that even
2nd graders, who certainly already know the facts, can enjoy the story.
Ruby is having a birthday party for Grandma. She’s invited 7
stuffed animals. Max cleverly sneaks in 3 of his own toys, so Ruby
keeps counting and getting a different number. The way Max sneaks
his toys in (for example using the wig off one of Ruby’s dolls), is a delight
to the kids reading the story. A lot of fun.
Book Reviews by Sondra Eklund