Lila the Fair

September 1, 2005
Gr 1-3 -Each book tells a story that correlates directly to social-studies themes that can be found in most primary-grade curriculums. In "Rex", a boy learns the importance of and the roles that rules play in daily life (civics, laws). In "Lila", the protagonist helps settle disputes between her sisters at home and tries her hand at settling them at school (civics and conflict resolution). In "Which Way", Wendy learns her way around her new town (geography and map skills). The children in "Pet Peeves" learn to work together and run a business that makes money (economics and free enterprise). Bright, colorful, cartoon illustrations accompany texts that are suitable for students who are reading fluently. Helpful text boxes provide definitions or explanations of some of the relevant vocabulary. Activities for independent play or for the classroom are included." -Christine E. Carr, Lester C. Noecker Elementary School, Roseland, NJ"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2005
Gr. 1-3. Lila, the middle child, often finds herself mediating disputes between her two sisters. Proud of her expertise as family peacemaker, she posts flyers at school, calling herself Lila the Fair (minded) and offering to settle arguments between students for free. As she works to find solutions, Lila finds that the best ones can sometimes be found by the disputants themselves. Taking down her old flyer, she posts a new one inviting kids to learn the necessary skills at the new "Peacemaker's Club." The last page of the book challenges readers to analyze the conflicts presented in the story and to apply their own skills to three minidisputes illustrated with cartoons and speech balloons. Driscoll keeps the story moving briskly, while the illustrations, breezy ink drawings with colorful washes, maintain an upbeat tone. With practical suggestions for problem solving presented in boxes along the way, this entertaining paperback is a natural for elementary-school programs on conflict resolution.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)