Nana Takes the Reins

March 1, 2011
Though her daughter thinks she's too old to do anything interesting, Nana takes it into her head to ride a bull when the rodeo comes to Lettuceberg. But first, she and grandchildren Eufala and Bog have to get her 1948 Dusty Drifter repaired. And before that, they must outsmart Tuff and his seven Ruffies, larger-than-life adult bullies rumored to eat house pets. The tangled lariat on the endpapers reflects the twists and turns of this episodic nonsense tale in which Nana finds the key to Tuff's heart. An intrusive third-person narrator describes Nana's adventures in short chapters with intriguing titles, such as "One Undeniable Silver Lining" and "Mister Tasty Toes," and plenty of dialogue. Occasionally readers are addressed directly, especially in the beginning as characters are introduced. Sometimes the narrator interrupts herself with an "oh dear," or, "perhaps you're wondering." This companion to Nana Cracks the Case! (2010) stands alone; the static characters distinguished by a single trait (zany Nana, candy-loving Bog, bossy big sister Eufala and the soft-hearted bullies). Horne's pop-eyed cartoon characters, in vignettes and some full-page gray-scale illustrations, add to the humor. Like Nana's elderly car, this story hops along. The sheer randomness of the plot may keep readers fixed: What could possibly happen next? But in the end they are left with something less sticky than even mind-candy. (Fiction. 7-10)

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April 1, 2011

Gr 2-4-In this fast-paced sequel to Nana Cracks the Case! (Chronicle, 2009), the unlikeliest grandmother around hears that the rodeo is coming to town. Elated, she gets into her 1948 Dusty Drifter and rides off into the sunset-until she wrecks her car. At Al's Brake Shop, the woman comes face-to-face with Tuff, not only the meanest guy in Lettuceberg, but also a man who is rumored to eat pets. Nana, having already applied for jobs such as circus performer and deep sea fisherman in the previous book, now applies for the vacant mechanic position at Al's, and many twists and turns ensue. The humor in this book is utterly over-the-top, in a way that will appeal to children. Will Nana and her grandchildren Eufala and Bog make it to the rodeo? The story is all about the journey, not the destination. Comical black-and-white illustrations, some full page, are exaggerated and witty and will help ensure that readers keep turning the pages. Nineteen short chapters and the hilarity of the plot make this worth considering, although the wordiness may prove a challenge for kids who are reading below grade level. Buy for fans of the previous book, and where kids can't get enough of silly, antic-driven stories.-Alison Donnelly, Collinsville Memorial Public Library, IL

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