Synopsis
"Though a quieter wit than Hilary McKay's, it has some of her domestic shrewdness, and it's one of the components that makes this a very useful book in a rather undercrowded field: the high-end chapter book . . . That's a bigger jump for kids than often credited, and Cutler deftly and carefully cushions the leap for her little reading frogs, who'll appreciate this as a solid and attractive literary lily pad. . . ."= The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
School Library Journal
Gr 2-5-In this fourth story about the Fraser brothers, third-grader Edward helps his brother Jason's friends with their seventh-grade sex-ed project by drawing faces on the eggs they must care for. The children plan the First Annual Mark Twain Memorial Jumping Frog Contest, and Edward insists on attending a live theater performance for his birthday. Mrs. Fraser is learning to be a clown so that she can entertain hospitalized children. Charley, an overly energetic first grader who is new to the neighborhood, appears in each episode. Readers not familiar with the previous books may find the number of characters hard to keep track of at first. However, the satisfying plot development, humorous characterizations, warm and realistic family interactions, and light mood make this title an appropriate selection for children transitioning into chapter books. Pearson's amusing pen-and-ink illustrations, one per chapter, add appeal.-Debbie Stewart, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.