From Publishers Weekly
Johnson (Toning the Sweep) once again evokes a strong sense of place with this breezy, slice-of-life chapter book. Loosely structuring the volume as a series of vignettes, the author recounts a child's exploration of her new neighborhood. Any homesickness Charlie (Charlene) feels for Monroe Street and her old friends there quickly disappears when Billy, a boy on roller skates, stops by her house to share a plate of cookies. ("[He] would be my best friend in the whole world. But I don't know that yet, though.") Charlie and Billy, soon an inseparable duo, hunt down "maniac monkeys" (seen only by Charlie's 12-year-old brother), view Mr. Pinkton's remarkable collection of fish, marvel at the lifelike sculptures sitting in Miss Marcia's yard and discover buried treasure in a vacant lot. Youngsters will find Magnolia Street to be a comforting refuge where summer afternoons are savored at a leisurely pace and neighbors always have time for a friendly chat. Demonstrating how the imagination can transform day-to-day observations into something magical, this satisfying novel may spur readers to take a closer look at their own familiar surroundings. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 8-10.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an alternate
Hardcover
edition.
From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4?Charlie narrates seven stories that take place during her family's first summer on Magnolia Street. Charlie is mischievous and creative and she finds her match in Billy, who quickly becomes her best friend. They are two of a kind and thus spend quite a bit of time grounded on their separate porches. But they do manage a few adventures. In the title story, they play a practical joke on Charlie's older brother. This introduction to the main characters and the people in the neighborhood is the best of the bunch with a strong plot and a great platform for the two friends to bond and show off their cleverness. The stories that follow have less action but Charlie's antics will keep readers' interest. The realistic dialogue will make this comfortable reading for kids, though the few grammatical informalities ("Me and Billy") are unnecessary. Black-and-white sketches appear throughout this entertaining, if not gripping, beginning chapter book.?Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System, FL
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
