Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little
Moxy Maxwell is a procrastinator. She was assigned Stuart Little for summer reading, but it is still unread on the last day before the first day of school. Moxy's mother is well aware of this lapse. Moxy won't be allowed to play the eighth daisy petal in the water ballet at the local pool if she hasn't finished the book by the time Mom returns home. Intentions are good, but events keep getting in the way. Moxy's room must be cleaned, and the dog has to be trained. She also takes time to ponder the idea of inventing a hammock that automatically stops swinging when the inhabitor gets off. She decides to plant a peach orchard (with bad results). All of this is documented with funny black-and-white photographs taken by Moxy's brother. The short, sassy chapters have an immediacy that may have readers wringing their hands as the clock ticks down. The scenerio will ring true for readers who may have put off a few homework assignments of their own. Cooper, Ilene