27 Mar 2011 1 Comment

“Moxie Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Litttle” by Peggy Gifford

THE BOOK MAMA BASICS

For ages: 8-12.

Gender specific: Very girl friendly

Any pictures?: Photos “taken” by Moxie’s brother (great idea)

Are there more?: Yes! Two more with a third due out any second

How long?: 104 page

What’s it cost?: $6.99 on Amazon.

Synopsis: Moxy Maxwell is a procrastinator. She was assigned “Stuart Little” for summer reading, but it’s still unread on the last day of summer vacation. All too aware of this lapse, Moxy’s mother won’t let her participate as the eighth daisy petal in the water ballet at the local pool if she hasn’t finished the book by the time Mom returns home. Intentions are good, but events keep getting in the way. Moxy’s room must be cleaned, and the dog has to be trained. Moxie finds some time to ponder the idea of inventing a hammock that automatically stops swinging when the inhabitor gets off. As you might expect, disaster ensues.(edited from Booklist)

Review: I’m sure your kid never procrastinates, but if they do then they may feel something of a bond with young precocious Moxie. The crazy thing is once she actually sits down to read “Stuart Little” she realizes what a great book it is — imagine that? This tale of a forth-grade-something is cleverly documented with funny black-and-white photographs taken by Moxy’s brother. The short, sassy chapters keep things moving toward a predicable yet satisfying conclusion.