Is That You, Eleanor Sue?

Starred review from October 8, 2018
Disguised in an impressive bouffant wig and a green dress, Eleanor Sue climbs out her bedroom window, knocks on her own front door, and introduces herself to her mother as Mrs. McMuffins, a new neighbor. Eleanor’s mother has lots of time and a deep well of patience, and she invites her visitor in for tea. But that’s just the beginning: throughout the day, Eleanor’s mother opens her door to a witch, a wizard, and a bear; accepts a delivery of flowers from her own garden; greets a cat; and at last answers the door in a costume of her own. Imaginative but never too precious talk shared between mother and daughter underscores realistic character play (“I wore my shoes right through, ma’am,” Eleanor-as-delivery-person says as her mother proffers a footbath), and Eleanor’s hints at the personas to come reward alert listeners. Artwork by Tusa (Follow Me) in a palette of rose, sienna, and green offers instant accessibility to the characters’ emotions and all the warmth of the Sunday funnies. Eleanor’s mother takes obvious delight in her daughter’s inventiveness in this celebration of creative play, simple pleasures, and bighearted love. Ages 4–8.