From Publishers Weekly
As in her prior tales starring Gilbert, deGroat's (Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet; Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink) latest title and plot are both sky-high in kid appeal. The amiable young opossum sings this take-off on the birthday tune as his mother drives him home from the store, where he has spitefully chosen a frying pan as a gift for Lewis, the class bully. Lewis has informed Gilbert that he received a birthday party invitation only because his mother made him send one to all the boys in the class ("And you better bring me a present, too, if you want any cake and ice cream," sneers the birthday boy). Readers, privy to Lewis's lunchroom and playground slights to earnest Gilbert, will likely applaud this choice of giftAuntil Lewis has a change of heart. DeGroat's watercolors capture Gilbert's changing moods perfectly: readers will especially feel for Gilbert as he makes eye contact with them, conveying sheer panic when gift-opening time arrives, dread when Lewis prepares to unwrap his present and tremendous relief when he realizes that Mom's surreptitious substitution for the frying pan has saved the day. With its credible take on kids' emotions and social exchanges, this wry tale sends a useful message to youngsters on both the giving and receiving ends of bullying. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2-Gilbert, the possum in Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink (1996) and Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet (1998, both Morrow), is back with his assorted animal buddies to take a look at birthday parties and hurt feelings. When Gilbert receives a party invitation from bossy Lewis, his reluctance turns to measured acceptance after his mother assures him that Lewis must want to be friends. Then Lewis declares, "My mother made me invite all the boys in the class. That's why you got an invitation." Gilbert's eagerness quickly turns to disappointment, and he doesn't "really want to give Lewis anything except maybe a smelly old shoe." When his mother encourages Gilbert to buy the latest "Martian Spaceship," he decides instead that a frying pan is just what Lewis needs. Gilbert attends the party, has a wonderful time, and realizes that his mean-spirited present is a major mistake. Fortunately, his mother has quietly substituted the spaceship for the frying pan, and Gilbert escapes embarrassment. DeGroat manages to present this rather unlikely scenario with complete sincerity and credibility. Children will sympathize with the child's frustration and sigh along in relief when he is rescued by his mother's wisdom. Appealingly bright watercolor illustrations add just the right amount of charm and detail.
Alicia Eames, New York City Public Schools Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
