Russell and Elisa (Riverside Kids) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Even though Elisa Michaels was not as big as her big brother, Russell, she was not as little as she used to be..." (more)
Key Phrases: new pajamas, Annie Chu, Eugene Spencer

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Russell's little sister Elisa is growing up fast. She is almost four, and although most of the time Russell thinks she is a pest, sometimes he enjoys her company. This book, the latest in Hurwitz's popular series about Russell and his family and friends, captures succinctly the ebb and flow of sibling relations. The alternating embarrassment and affection Russell feels for his sister is right on target. And Hurwitz zeros in on the kind of ordinary activities important to a child: a trip to the barbershop, the excitement of a first sleep-over and an afternoon at the ballgame. The tale also boasts a doll with what may be the most endearing name--Airmail--since Ramona Quimby's beloved Chevrolet. Hurwitz is a master of middle-grade fiction: as always, her prose is snappy and believable, and her gentle stories of family life have the ring of authenticity. Pictures not seen by PW. Ages 5-up.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-- Russell is back, this time sharing the spotlight with his sister Elisa, who is now four years old--old enough to have some interesting things to say for herself. Threads of plot connect the six stories, but they can stand well alone for those who like to skip around. Elisa writes her grandmother a letter and receives in return a homemade rag doll aptly named Airmail. Airmail quickly becomes the focus of Russell's complaints about the embarrassment Elisa causes him. Russell is still a handful himself, as when he decides to play barber with friend Annie's hair. The predictable happens, of course. Later Airmail is featured as a lost object after a visit to the library. This vignette of the lost doll is hilarious in its sly portrayal of Russell's deviousness, and the price he must pay for it. Hurwitz never over-explains or interprets for readers. Her characters act and react, and she keeps her comments on their behavior light and subtle. She is at the height of her consistently top form with this winner. --Ruth Semrau, Lovejoy School, McKinney, TX
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (April 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064421503
• ISBN-13: 978-0064421508
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #381,130 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Russell and Elisa, December 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Russell and Elisa (Beech Tree Chapter Books) (Paperback)

Another in a 'series' of Russell Books. My 5 year old begged me to read more. It is a family story centered around a seven year old boy with a three year old sister. This book brings out interesting subjects such as sleep-overs, cutting hair and attending a first baseball game. A young child will endjoy having it read to them - good discussion for parents. This is a humorous, family book that will be of interest to students from K through the 4th grade, as well as parents.

5.0 out of 5 stars really good, August 6, 2001

By	bootaWithaB (US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Russell and Elisa (Beech Tree Chapter Books) (Paperback)

I remember reading this book when I was in second and third grade. I checked it out from our school library a million times and would read it over and over again. One thing that I loved about it so much was that I thought that it was a "chapter book" and I felt so grown up for reading it. Great stories are in it; I still remember them 9 years later. The doll, the haircut, the baseball game, and when Elisa was hiding underneath the table during her parent's dinner party. It's a book that is written so that even a second grader can read it on their own, with maybe a little bit of help. Also easy to understand, yet interesting and challenging at the same time. I definitely would recommend this book. (Infact, I now want to buy it because I loved it so much as a child.)

5.0 out of 5 stars really good, August 6, 2001

By	bootaWithaB (US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Russell and Elisa (Beech Tree Chapter Books) (Paperback)

I remember reading this book when I was in second and third grade. I checked it out from our school library a million times and would read it over and over again. One thing that I loved about it so much was that I thought that it was a "chapter book" and I felt so grown up for reading it. Great stories are in it; I still remember them 9 years later. The doll, the haircut, the baseball game, and when Elisa was hiding underneath the table during her parent's dinner party. It's a book that is written so that even a second grader can read it on their own, with maybe a little bit of help. Also easy to understand, yet interesting and challenging at the same time. I definitely would recommend this book. (Infact, I now want to buy it because I loved it so much as a child.)