Mean Margaret

November 26, 2001
"Seidler chronicles with sensitivity, acumen and humor the adventures of a bratty toddler who eats her two adopted woodchuck parents out of house and home," wrote PW
in our Best Books citation. Ages 8-12.

Fred is a woodchuck who likes life clean, orderly, and quiet. When he finally finds his mate, Phoebe, he envisions the continuation of his peaceful lifestyle. But when Phoebe adopts an abandoned human child, everything, and everybody, changes. Jeff Woodman narrates this lively tale with a steadily building pace, as the animals get more and more frustrated with Margaret. His characterizations distinguish each individual: rigid, orderly Fred; kind-hearted, loving Phoebe; easy-going and fun-loving Babette; the squirrel who is content at finally having his ready-made family; and, of course, loud, selfish, impatient, mean Margaret. Woodman expertly portrays the characters and depicts this family's life, as well as the values of love and kindness that lead to changes in everyone--human and animal. W.L.S. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine