Customer Reviews

Lucretia the Unbearable

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book was published 28 years ago; at the time, I would have read it to my first grade students for storytime. Lucretia is a bear; yes, a real bear, the character, that is. She would be the prima donna "Drama Queen". Everything that happens in her life is a drama. When she gets ready for a ride on her bike, she packs as if a major disaster was on its way; whether it's a thermomenter, a handerkerchief, cough drops, or bandages, she is prepared for any mishap that could occur. Now, this would be fine if she was the parent planning a summer vacation, but, in this instance, she is only going for a bike ride in the neighborhood.

She is very outspoken to her friend, describing his face in a less than flattering way. She finds herself in a confrontation and begins to over indulge in her self-importance. She shows signs of being a hypochondriac, with everything bothering her. Fortunately, the Lion is a true friend and goes with her to the doctor, even though, as she says: "His office is full of germs!"

Once she is at the doctor's office, she begins to question the patients in the waiting room, somewhat intrusively. Well, the story goes on, with the doctor passing along germs in not so nice a manner. She begins to confront and argue with the doctor; this ought to make the other patients want to leave, and perhaps, the doctor, himself, will need to see his own doctor. Finally, the doctor advises her that she' s fine and can leave. But, on the way home, more drama follows. She really gets carried away and enlarges the problem, making herself quite unbearable, for others.

Wait till you read about how her other animal friends handle her over-bearing way of seeking attention. She tries to one-up each of her friends with some dramatic event. You will appreciate how her problems are resolved. Maybe, you too, can remember others in your life who "steal the show" as they say, trying to get any attention, good or bad. "Happy Reading!"

Lucretia the Unbearable is one of the best children's books I can remember reading. Although I never owned a copy. My mother used to take me to the library in Altoona, Pennsylvania and we would read it together sitting on a green vinyl ottoman. Lucretia is no static character... her preoccupation with herself is changed only by her need for companionship, as she learns the age-old lesson that to have friends one must be a friend. The illustrations are fantastic as well, with lots of little details that will be appreciated by young and old alike. It's an awesome book!!!