Peanut's Emergency

November 1, 2002
K-Gr 2-School is out, and there's no sign of Peanut's mother. The child begins to worry, and also becomes grouchy. "Is this an emergency?" she wonders. For just such a situation, Mom had put coins for a phone call in the zipper pockets of her daughter's shoes, but temptation had gotten the best of Peanut, and that money was spent on cupcakes. She tries to remember what she has been taught-call home collect, call another relative, don't talk to strangers. At the moment, though, she's too frightened to think straight. She goes into the shop where her mother buys coffee, and the owner, who is not a stranger, helps her remember her phone number and call home. It turns out that Mom's car had broken down, and that the whole family was looking for Peanut. Everyone congratulates her on her bravery, and for figuring out how to get help. The watercolor illustrations of this African-American family are pleasant, bright, and cheerful. Peanut's Emergency is better suited for teaching than for entertainment, and will aid in rounding out collections on safety issues. It will prompt discussion in the classroom or one-on-one.-Roxanne Burg, Thousand Oaks Library, CA

Copyright 2002 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2002
K-Gr. 2. Peanut worries when her mother fails to pick her up after school. She has been given emergency money and instructions, but she has spent the money, can't remember names or phone numbers, and wanders away to find help. A familiar shopkeeper readily assists her, finds her number in the phone book, and successfully reaches Peanut's mother. All ends well, but Peanut insists on dwelling on her mistakes. Her family reminds her that she did not go off with a stranger, she was resourceful in finding help, and she did come home safely--so all is well. The charming first-person narrative has a childlike quality, and cartoon-style watercolor illustrations add energy and humor. With safety rules listed on the dust jacket and reinforced in the story, this is clearly intended for instructional use. Most "safety" stories teach at the expense of story, but kids will actually enjoy this one because Peanut is a spunky kid with great appeal.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)