From Publishers Weekly
Whatever is to be done? Rachel Fister is ailing, and the pandemonium caused by her "tiny little blister" is a joy to behold--and hear. MacDonald's sparkling tale has the exceptional virtue of making her verse seem effortless. "Pastor Masters / called for plasters--/ six or eight or ten or three. / Farmer Chalmer / was much calmer-- / he suggested broccoli." From far and wide come the blister "experts," as the rabbi, maid, vicar, Doctor Proctor and fireman (Roger Byreman) rush pell-mell to aid the beleaguered girl. Appropriately enough, it takes royalty to put forth the perfect remedy: Queen Alice offers a simple, if somewhat cryptic, solution. It's difficult to believe that this book is a collaboration, so perfectly matched are the text and art. Priceman's ( Friend or Frog ) harum-scarum drawings run riot over the pages, and her characters' concern for Rachel's plight is lunacy itself--all are manic in their panic. Ages 2-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 3-- This book's infectious rhythm and rhyme demand that it be read aloud. When Rachel Fister discovers a blister on her little toe, her parents summon the entire neighborhood to help find a cure. From hot tea to lemonade, from broccoli to prayer, nothing works until Queen Alice (" 'the smartest, that's for sure' ") provides the perfect suggestion. MacDonald's clever verse keeps the action perking along and constantly makes a silly situation even more absurd. And no one would have ever guessed there are so many rhymes for "blister." The watercolors contribute verve as characters dash around the pages in their efforts to help Rachel. By varying the perspectives, Priceman enhances the story's energy; the book perfectly captures the pacing and hilarity of jump-rope rhymes and tongue twisters. Although very young children may be confused by the rapid pace, picture-book veterans will delight in its high spirits. --Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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