Nobody's Mother Is in Second Grade
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.