The Secret Lunch Special

September 1, 2006
Gr 1-3 -Emily puts a great deal of thought into where she -s going to sit on the bus. So discombobulated is she by the sudden appearance of a new, smaller vehicle one morning that she forgets to grab her lunch bag when she -s getting off. When she gets to school and realizes her mistake, classmate Vincetta Louise sends her into an unnecessary panic over what will happen. Emily -s irritation with the spunky girl begins to fade, though, when she helps Emily out of a sticky spot and shares her talent for drawing. The text provides a solid bridge from beginning readers to chapter books. Like the black-and-white illustrations, this gentle read is warm and smooth around the edges. This title won -t be a hot ticket, but it will find its audience in larger collections." -Adrienne Furness, Webster Public Library, NY"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2006
Already unhappy about her new, smaller school bus and dismayed that she has left her sparkly new lunch bag on the bus seat, quiet Emily becomes upset when loud-mouthed classmate Vincetta Louise informs her "" You're" going to get a ticket from Mr. Marvin." She thinks its some sort of punishment, when, in fact, it's a slip to charge her lunch. Worry, relief, disappointment, and gratitude are just a few of Emily's emotions as she copes with second grade, but an unexpected development makes it all seem worthwhile. The many black-and-white illustrations convey the characters' feelings clearly through facial expressions and body language, while the story reflects primary-grade concerns in a simple way. A good choice for readers new to chapter books . . and second grade.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)