From Publishers Weekly
Debut author Finchler and O'Malley (Cinder Edna) comically indulge children's fantasies about their teachers in this ticklish tale. The narrator, convinced that his teacher, Miss Malarkey, lives at school, visualizes her life there after hours: she plays in the gym with the other teachers and sleeps in one of the bunk beds that are surely in the Teachers' Room: "No wonder kids aren't allowed in there. I'm sure teachers don't want us to see their messy room," he reasons. But when Miss Malarkey moves into his apartment house, he learns that teachers have lives outside of school, and they can even be nice, normal neighbors. O'Malley's caricaturish art pictures teachers wearing bunny slippers and engaging in pillow fights, and he adds funny details like a moving van emblazoned with "Bill's Scratch and Dent Movers" and a school menu of frog legs and rabbit stew. An original premise, with lots of kid-appeal. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3?Who hasn't experienced a child's total astonishment upon meeting her teacher?clad in shorts and sandals?at the market or park looking like a real person? The narrator of this funny story is convinced that his teacher lives at school, plays in the gym, and sleeps in bunk beds in the teachers' room with all the other teachers. Imagine his surprise when Miss Malarkey moves into his apartment building, goes barefoot, has parties, and even takes out her own garbage. Next year his teacher will be Mrs. Boba. "I guess she lives in Room 12!" he concludes. The humorous text is expanded and further enlivened by comical drawings that feature delightful teachers, kids, and classroom touches. Even the endpapers are great fun. An entertaining romp that's sure to elicit lots of chuckles.?Virginia Opocensky, formerly at Lincoln City Libraries, NE
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
