Overview
The students of Lynnhurst Elementary love their principal, Mr. Tanen--and his ties! He has one for every holiday and occasion. But Mr. Apple from the school office doesn't like the ties and insists that Mr. Tanen stop wearing them. Everyone is miserable. Until the students give Mr. Apple his own new tie which brings about some unexpected and welcome changes. Full color.Mr. Tanen, the principal at Lynnhurst Elementary School, is well known for his colorful and unusual ties, but he and his students are saddened when his boss orders him to stop wearing them.
Synopsis
The students of Lynnhurst Elementary love their principal, Mr. Tanen—and his ties! But Mr. Apple from the school office does not love Mr. Tanen's ties. He insists that Mr. Tanen wear only blue ties from now on.
School Library Journal
K-Gr 2-Mr. Tanen, an elementary school principal, loves to sport unusual neckwear-"funny ties, crazy ties, holiday ties, ties that play music, and even ties that light up." Unfortunately, Mr. Apple (also known as Mr. Crab Apple), a school department official, thinks that Mr. Tanen should wear a "proper," plain, blue tie. When the principal is out sick, Mr. Apple fills in for him at school. A gift of a special tie from the students helps the man find romance as well as a new attitude. The writing is good, and the conflict between Mr. Tanen and Mr. Apple will keep readers interested. The happy albeit improbable ending suits the earlier drama of the story. Cocca-Leffler's watercolor cartoons are bright and appealing. Ties decorated with flowers, food, music, highways, birds, hearts, and wedding bells flow from the pictures and border the pages. An enjoyable read-aloud for classrooms and libraries.-Shelley Woods, Boston Public Library, MA
Editorials
School Library Journal
K-Gr 2-Mr. Tanen, an elementary school principal, loves to sport unusual neckwear-"funny ties, crazy ties, holiday ties, ties that play music, and even ties that light up." Unfortunately, Mr. Apple (also known as Mr. Crab Apple), a school department official, thinks that Mr. Tanen should wear a "proper," plain, blue tie. When the principal is out sick, Mr. Apple fills in for him at school. A gift of a special tie from the students helps the man find romance as well as a new attitude. The writing is good, and the conflict between Mr. Tanen and Mr. Apple will keep readers interested. The happy albeit improbable ending suits the earlier drama of the story. Cocca-Leffler's watercolor cartoons are bright and appealing. Ties decorated with flowers, food, music, highways, birds, hearts, and wedding bells flow from the pictures and border the pages. An enjoyable read-aloud for classrooms and libraries.-Shelley Woods, Boston Public Library, MABobbie Combs
Strong, brightly colored illustrations of Mr. Tanen and his wild ties are entirely appropriate to this story about someone who would fit in our community well: unique, creative, interesting, and a little bit outrageous.—Alternative Family Magazine