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Synopsis
Third-grader Janey is never without a Bob the Dog Detective book by her favorite author, Lily May Appleton. She sneaks reading time during school and is often scolded for letting her mind wander. Janey snaps to attention, though, when her teacher mentions Ms. Appleton’s name. The author is scheduled to speak at a children’s literature festival, and Janey’s class will have a chance to meet her!
At last the big day comes, but once again Janey’s daydreaming gets her into trouble. She becomes separated from her class and completely misses the session with Ms. Appleton. Lost and devastated, Janey is consoled by a kind stranger who claims to be none other than—Lily May Appleton!
Anita Barnes Lowen - Children's Literature
Janey always has her nose in a book--usually a Bob the Dog Detective book written by her favorite author, Lily May Appleton. When Janey learns that she will have the chance to meet Lily May, she is so excited she can hardly talk. But the day at the Literature Festival rapidly turns into a disaster. It takes forever to buy the latest Bob the Dog Detective. Worst of all, Janey gets so caught up in reading her new book, she is separated from her class and misses her chance to meet Lily May Appleton. Or has she? It is a shame that Janey's teacher doesn't celebrate the fact that Janey is an avid reader, but kids will recognize that poor Mrs. Lindsay's reactions to Janey's behaviors are very realistic. There are lots of topics for classroom discussion. For example, what strategies can Janey use to help her pay attention? Was it a good idea for Janey to wear a yellow shirt when her teacher had asked that all the students wear the red school shirt? What could Janey have done when she discovered she was separated from her class? Was it really a good idea to talk to the old lady? She was nice but she was a stranger. Told in the present tense and illustrated with watercolor scenes, this chapter book is a good choice for the strong beginning reader, as well as a book to read aloud to younger students. 2005, Clarion Books, Ages 6 to 8.