Children's Literature @ NYPL

Book Review: Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie

Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie by Julie Sternberg and illustrated by Matthew Cordell takes place during the summer between second and third grade, but starts out not as sunny as a summer day.

I had a bad August.
A very bad August.
As bad as pickle juice on a cookie.
As bad as a spider web on your leg.
 
As bad as the black parts on a banana.
I hope your August was better.
I really do.
 
That is the voice of Eleanor, who is about to start third grade and going through some big changes. Most importantly, her babysitter, Bibi, has moved away and her new babysitter does things very differently, though that is good for Eleanor since EVERYTHING is a reminder of her beloved Bibi and things that remind her of Bibi make Eleanor very sad. She writes Bibi letters about her summer, her new babysitter Natalie, and her run ins with Agnes her troublemaking upstairs neighbor.  She doesn't hear back, which makes her worry, but Natalie is keeping her busy and turning out to be kind of fun.
 
This is a simple but lovely story about getting older, making transitions and adapting to new people and situations. Perfect for second or third grade readers with playful illustrations by Matthew Cordell that will keep their interest strong.

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Ricca, What a good idea! I ordered up a book on the Arthurian legend by a writer named Gillian Bradshaw. She writes a lot of stuff that would be fun for kids to read if they like adventure stories set in historic times. This book is about the childhood of Gawain, one of King Arthur's knights. Your mom is looking forward to visiting you next weekend. Hope Bart is well, Andy

Ricca, Nice review! Come to

Ricca, Nice review! Come to think of it, I have never tasted pickle juice! Looking forward to your next one. Thanks, Michael