Oh No, It's Robert (Robert Books) [Hardcover]

Barbara Seuling (Author), Paul Brewer (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Series: Robert Books

Robert's class is having an achievement contest, and Robert desperately wants to win. Anyone who gets A's on homework, reads books, or helps the teachers will earn points toward the prize. Robert pledges to do all those things, but it won't be easy. He's never read a whole book and his papers are usually marked with a pig stamp that says "could be neater." Robert becomes a teacher's helper, cleans up after art class, and serves as library monitor. But will his good intentions and steadfastness be enough? Lively drawings illustrate this hilarious story of a likable boy who is finally rewarded for his good nature and hard work.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Robert, the likable and well-intentioned hero of this upbeat chapter book, desperately wants to win the class achievement contest and add his first award to the accolades of the rest of his family. As Robert attempts the accomplishments necessary to win the golden "treasure chest," the journey, from the pig stamp he's received for messy homework in the past to first prize, seems impossible. Then Robert's best friend Paul convinces him to advertise his services as a Super Helper, and suddenly Robert, who hates math and couldn't finish a book on his own, becomes indispensable: he reorganizes the class library and assists every teacher in school. The classroom antics offer some diversions as Robert's oral report on the importance of the toilet's invention backfires, and during cleanup for an art project, he inadvertently leaves dead fish in the supply cupboard over Thanksgiving vacation. Robert's evolving empathy toward the class bully, however, and his suspicions that Paul may be the mad "Scribbler" who's ruining the library books emerge as the winning aspects of the story. Quirky pen-and-ink illustrations heighten the volume's comic aspects. Readers struggling to define and expand their own talents will enjoy watching Robert discover his. Ages 7-10. (June)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-3-Nothing is going right for Robert. After he gives an oral report on the invention of the toilet, everyone makes fun of him. He forgets to throw out a dead fish when cleaning the classroom and the fumigator must be called, and he is being bullied by a classmate. In spite of all these problems, the child still hopes to win the class achievement award. Seuling knows her audience and uses homework issues and pink underwear in a way that tickles funny bones. Minor disasters are woven into the story, endearing readers to this boy. Brewer's quirky, full-page black-and-white pen-and-ink drawings break up the text every few pages. Most children, who know all too well how it feels when things don't go as planned, will relate to Robert's tale.
Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Cricket Books; 1st edition (May 13, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812629345
• ISBN-13: 978-0812629347
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,460,203 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful story about the value of being a child who cares, November 3, 1999

By 

"sacredtruth" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Oh No, It's Robert (Robert Books) (Hardcover)

Barbara Seuling has created a warm and loving character in Robert, who learns, through the trials of everyday life, what is really important in one's life in order to feel good about one's self. Adults reading along with their young child can benefit from the example of "Emotional Intelligence" (a la Daniel Goleman's book by the same name) which Robert develops in himself when he deals with a bully and solves a mystery. As a school psychologist and counselor, I am much more interested in seeing emotional intelligence in a child than I am in seeing an "A" paper. Robert, through Seuling's guiding light, provides children and parents with an excellent model for striking a balance between academic achievement and emotional growth and development. Parents might also benefit from the modeling of Robert's father, who, in just a brief encounter, provides critical support for his son, which stays with him and guides him long after the conversation has ended. Seuling shows accurately how important every small piece of guidance, support and validation can be when a parent takes the time to guide their child. I recommend this book to both parents and children, teachers and pupil personnel staff, to illustrate that there is much more to being a valued human being than academic achievement. I hope to see Robert providing examples of emotional intelligence in subsequent adventures which both entertain and enlighten.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars review by a young reader, July 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Oh No, It's Robert (Robert Books) (Hardcover)

My name is Ben. I am 7 years old. I read Oh No It's Robert. The book was about Robert who was not very good at school but he never gave up and he always tried his best. My favorite part was when Robert left the stinky fish in the cabinet. And when Robert saw the bully's pink underwear. I really liked this book. I want to read more books about Robert.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars delightful and amusing trip into the life of a young boy, May 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Oh No, It's Robert (Robert Books) (Hardcover)

Oh No,It's Robert provides a delightful and amusing trip into the life of a young boy struggling to achieve the expectations others have set for him. It fills a void in childrens literature for humor and fun with a male main character. My son and I read this together (although he could have mastered it independently) because I found myself concerned for the likeable and very realistic Robert. He has characteristics of every young boy growing up today and hence,young readers will cheer him on and relate to his experiences. Great read Barbara Seuling, I could only be happier if there were to be a series of Robert books.