100th Day Worries

This delightful book combines the 100th day of school -- a celebration that takes place in thousands of elementary classrooms across the country, usually in January or February -- with simple math concepts (counting to 100, addition, and multiples) in an endearing story that's sure to bring a smile to anyone who's ever worried about a homework assignment.

Publishers Weekly

For Jessica, a worrier by nature, there's a dark underside to her first grade's 100th Day celebration. In honor of the occasion, her teacher wants each student to round up a collection of 100 small things. The girl spends an entire week ruminating--"100 ice cubes? Too melty. 100 marshmallows? Too sticky. 100 toothpicks? Too pointy"--and the pressure builds as all the other kids' collections start rolling in. But Jessica is fortunate in her family: seeing her bereft and despondent on the morning of the 100th day, each member pitches in (10 buttons from her father, 10 barrettes from her sister, etc.), and her collection of their contributions (which includes 10 "Xs" from a comforting letter written by her mother) is hailed by her teacher as "100 bits of love!" This is a knowing and funny book that succeeds without patronizing its fretful heroine or sentimentalizing the supportive response of her family. Cuyler's (The Biggest Best Snowman) tight text keeps the story moving apace; Howard's (the Mr. Putter and Tabby series) crisp and colorful cartoon illustrations rendered with an energetic ink line add just the right touch of freneticism. Ages 5-8. (Jan.) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Margery Cuyler has written stories ever since she learned how to write. A children's book editor and author for more than twenty years, she now devotes most of her time to writing. Her many children's books include 100th Day Worries, illustrated by Arthur Howard, and The Biggest, Best Snowman, illustrated by Will Hillenbrand. Margery lives with her family in Princeton, New Jersey, in a house that's said to be haunted by a ghost!

Arthur Howard is the illustrator of Cynthia Rylant's Mr. Putter and Tabby series, as well as his own picture books. He has also co-authored and illustrated many books of humor for adults and appeared for seven seasons in the PBS math-oriented production Square One Television. He has collaborated with Margery Cuyler on the previous Jessica Worries books. Arthur Howard lives in New York City.