Daddy's Back-to-School Shopping Adventure

May 11, 2015
The family from Daddies Do It Different and Daddy’s Zigzagging Bedtime Story is back, and back-to-school shopping for Jake and Jenny is driven by one budget-conscious rule: “We only buy what’s on the list.” When the ever-ebullient Daddy spots a lunchbox from his youth at the store (“See, there’s this thing called nostalgia,” he tries to explain), will the rule go out the window? Sitomer’s dialogue and Carter’s exaggerated paintings are as energetic as ever in a story that’s less about preparing for the first day of school than about celebrating a father who’s really just a kid at heart. Ages 3–5. Author’s agent: Al Zuckerman, Writers House. Illustrator’s agent: Mela Bolinao, MB Artists.

June 1, 2015
Even the best-laid plans pale in the face of nostalgia.... Today is the day Mommy and Daddy are taking their little "Pickle Quackers" back-to-school shopping. And for the hundred-millionth time, they remind Jenny and her little brother, Jake, of the No. 1 rule: "We only buy what's on the list." But when Mommy goes to shop for some household items and leaves Daddy in charge, he's assaulted by requests of all sorts, which he refuses...until he wants something for himself that isn't on the list. In a wonderfully funny role reversal, Jenny crosses her arms and stands firm, while Jake brandishes the list and smugly states, "Not seeing it here." The coveted item is the very lunchbox that Daddy loved as a child, and he just has to have it, even if that means buying a cartload of items that similarly are not on the list. But then Mommy returns and puts paid to the foolishness, though maybe there is room on the list for a gift....Carter's illustrations, which appear to be watercolor, depict a close family that knows how to have fun, even when shopping: they try out a crazy new clothing style. Her facial expressions are masterful, especially in the scene in which Daddy hugs the lunchbox in the store, shoppers looking at him askance. Sure to induce giggles and maybe even defuse some tension surrounding kids' own back-to-school shopping. (Picture book. 4-7)

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August 1, 2015

K-Gr 2-In another addition to the series, the whole family ventures to the store to obtain back-to-school supplies. Daddy makes sure to specify that the only purchases will be what is on the list. Constantly side tracked, the kids try to get lots of items that are definitely not school related (pet monkey included). In a surprising turn of events, Daddy spots a nostalgic yellow bus lunchbox that he absolutely must have and is definitely not on the list. The kids sense his weakness and load the cart up with as many nonlist items as possible. Mom thankfully puts a stop to the madness, and Daddy even gets a surprise at the end-the coveted lunchbox. The illustrations are fun and vibrant. Readers will enjoy the familiarity of the story line, even if it has been done before. VERDICT Though the story is slightly disjointed in its delivery, fans of the series will enjoy this addition. Purchase where more back-to-school books are needed.-Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA

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