Maybelle in the Soup

December 1, 2007
Gr 2-5-Maybelle is a lone cockroach living in the pristine Peabody household. She has a cozy home beneath the refrigerator and a faithful friend, Henry the Flea, who is a constant voice of reason when she tests the limits of her small world. Rhyming rules like "never meet with human feet" and "when it's light, stay out of sight" have kept Maybelle safe thus far, but she is tired of eating fallen crumbs and longs for food that hasn't touched the floor. The moment she picks to head to the table, though, happens to come during a dinner party with Very Important Guests. A splash into the soup starts her on a string of adventures, including a run-in with the family cat (where Henry "lived and dined") and a first-ever vacation (via Mrs. Peabody's suitcase) at a swanky hotel with foil-wrapped chocolates on the pillowsand room service. With its short chapters and simple dialogue, this story of friendship and wishful dreaming will engage readers. Although the voices help to define the characters, the wonderfully energetic illustrations bring them to life. Recommend this to reluctant readers who might have a penchant for the buggy side of life or those who want more from their world, no matter how young they are.Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2007
Maybelle the Cockroach dreams big. Tired of food crumbs on the floor, she longs for tasty leftovers from a plate. Her friend Henry the Flea attempts wise counsel: if the Peabodys see Maybelle, they will call the Bug Man, so she better make the best of what she has. Despite Henrys advice, as Mr. and Mrs. Peabody prepare a Very Important Dinner, temptation overcomes Maybelle and she scurries into the kitchen to taste the mock turtle soupstraight from the bowl. She resurfaces on the spoon of Mrs. Snodgrass, the Very Important Guest, and the ensuing panic culminates in a stay at a fancy hotel where Maybelle and Henry find their wildest dreams fulfilled. Pencil illustrations add a comic, personable touch to Maybelle and Henry and show the world from their eye level. Clear, simple language and a fast-moving plot capture the duos wild actions, creating a fun and original early chapter book that should prove popular with all but the most squeamish of readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)