The Grandma Mix-Up (I Can Read Book 2) [Paperback]

Emily Arnold McCully (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: I Can Read Book 2

When Pip's parents go away on a trip, she ends up with two grandmas to baby-sit her. Pip is ready for fun -- but strict Grandma Nan and easygoing Grandma Sal can't agree on anything! It's time for Pip to take charge.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

From an accomplished author/illustrator comes a sweetly child-centered I Can Read. Pip's parents are going on a trip and there's a mix-up. Mom asked Grandma Nan to baby-sit while Dad asked Grandma Sal. The grandmothers arrive, and agree that they'll both stay. Active and stylish, Grandma Nan demands a neat room and strictly nutritious meals. Laid-back and cozy Grandma Sal would rather watch the ball game with her feet up, or offer Gummy Bearsstet caps before lunch. Pip is uncomfortable with the opposing forces. "I want to do things OUR way, like everyday when Mom and Dad are home," he asserts. Chastened, Grandma Nan and Grandma Sal agree on this sensible course. McCully has once again focused her wry humor on a situation of genuine concern to children: the security of family routines. She illustrates this charmer with warmly humorous watercolors, with all the droll details for which she is known. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-- A mediocre beginning reader. Inadvertently, Pip's parents each ask one of Pip's grandmothers to care for him while they are away. Grandma Nan is in a mini-dress and gray boots, sporting a pink bow in her hair. She is quickly depicted as the grandmother who likes order, routine, healthy activities, and healthy food. Grandma Sal is a matronly woman with gray hair and glasses. Her style of living is more relaxed, and includes watching television, ordering out for pizza, and paying little if any attention to housekeeping. The tension between the grandmothers is obvious, and an unhappy Pip eventually demands that the two grandmothers do things his way. The illustrations are one-dimensional and seem more like sketches filled with garish colors. The book jacket describes the story as a "delightful story of two lovable grandmas and the child who gets stuck between them," but none of them are lovable. Both grandmothers are overdone, and Pip is a demanding little kid who is difficult to like. Most situations seemed contrived, and won't ring true for young readers. --Sharron McElmeel, Cedar Rapids Community Schools, Iowa
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (October 30, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064441504
• ISBN-13: 978-0064441506
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 4.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #497,789 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #34 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Issues > Babysitting
  • #66 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Babysitting

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Grandma Mix-Up!, March 12, 2003

By 

Amanda (Bay City, MI, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Grandma Mix-Up (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (I Can Read Books: Level 2 (Prebound)) (School & Library Binding)

Pip's parents are going on vacation. Dad called and asked Grandma Sal to baby-sit without knowing that Mom had already called Grandma Nan. On the day Pip's parents were leaving, both Grandmas showed up!
Grandma Nan is too strict. Grandma Sal is too laid back. Both of them are driving Pip insane. He doesn't know what to do!
I think that this book is really cute. It seems to remind me of my grandparents. It would drive me crazy, like Pip, if both of them got together. This story is silly and somewhat entertaining. I believe that it is best for a young reader who will easily comprehend. It's a good story.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Nice Reader - a review of "The Grandma Mix-Up", April 9, 2007

By 

Pam Tee "Busy Mom" - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Grandma Mix-Up (I Can Read Book 2) (Paperback)

It's the old two-Grandmothers-show-up-to-babysit plot with the one's too strict and one's too lenient twist, and though cliché, it is nicely done and it gives caregivers and children an opportunity to discuss 'moderation'.

In the story Pip is first excited about having both grandmothers come to stay and watch him, but it soon becomes both confusing and uncomfortable for him as his home-life is disrupted more than he cares for. One grandmother, for example, gives him candy all the time, while the other expects him to clean his room from top to bottom every day. A happy conclusion is arrived at however, when Pip finally talks to the grannies he loves and tells them that he is really happier with the way mom and dad have him do things: candy rarely, and bedroom cleaning once a week.

This particular book is divided into chapters. The "search inside this book" option shows quite a bit of text so that you can judge the level's appropriateness for you child yourself. Harder words include: grand-ma, grandchild, downstairs, upstairs, morning, crayons, strict, vegetables, pajamas, and bounce.

Three Stars. [C+] Okay Read-aloud. Cute artwork. It's an old cliché for adults but most likely "Grandma Mixup" will be a new story for youngsters. My two enjoyed the book, and it gave us an opportunity to discuss 'moderation'.

Level 2's are described as being for Grades 1-3; but I think Amazon's recommendation of 4 to 8 is closer to being correct.

5.0 out of 5 stars my daughter loves this book, December 7, 2009

By 

Marni Koopman (Ashland, OR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Grandma Mix-Up (I Can Read Book 2) (Paperback)

This book is really cute and kids can relate. The grandma's may be stereotypes, but they listed to what Pip has to say and try to do things her way. This is one of our favorites. We can't decide if Pip is a girl or a boy, so that's part of why we like it (the mystery).