Nobody's Mother Is in Second Grade - Hardcover

Pulver's In this ebullient tale, Pulver ( Mrs. Toggle's Zipper ) ebullient tale fetchingly portrays the love and genuine friendship between a daughter and a mother who aren't afraid to act silly together. When Cassandra's mother, fondly recalling her school days, says "I wish I could go to second grade again," the youngster replies, "That would be ridiculous." She happily cooperates, however, when her parent sews a leafy costume and attends school disguised as a plant. Though Miss Gardner's class welcomes their horticultural addition with a rendition of "You Are My Sunshine," one student observes, "There's something peculiar about that plant!" Suspicions grow when the plant plays energetically at recess and brings its lunchbox--"sandwich, carrots, and cookie"--into the cafeteria. Meanwhile, Miss Gardner rises to the occasion with a lesson on plant facts, which cleverly reminds Cassandra--and the reader--of all the caring things mothers do. This farcical fable brims with sly wit--and with the sort of drollery that will charm kids and grownups alike. Karas ( The Holiday Handwriting School ) contributes well-suited, whimsical drawings of round-faced, rosy-cheeked characters that exude kindness and dexterously convey the narrative's lightheartedness. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Kindergarten-Grade 2-- When Cassandra tells about the wonderful things she is doing at school, her mother yearns to return to second grade herself. Although her daughter finds such a suggestion ridiculous, the enterprising mom skips work and suits herself up as a large plant so that Cassandra can take her along without embarrassment. The peculiar potted greenery takes her place near a classroom window while the children begin their lessons. The teacher and the students explore the many ways plants help people, while Cassandra silently muses about the same ways her mother helps her each day. The multiethnic class becomes increasingly suspicious of the strange plant that smiles, eats lunch, and plays outside at recess. At day's end, the jig is up. The idea of a parent attending class in disguise is an amusing device, although the fact that Cassandra knows the plant's identity from the beginning makes the joke less effective. With other stories such as Allard's Miss Nelson Is Missing (Houghton, 1987), the surprise is the best part. The simple cartoons in pencil and watercolor are uncluttered and appealing. Second-rate fare. --Virginia E. Jeschelnig, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.