Sarah S. Brannen

We read this for story time. It was a longer and more contemplative book than we usually try but I only had 3 kids so they were more inclined to sit and listen than when there are a dozen. I think they missed the whole Paris thing. But they did worry over the dog and were relieved when they got back together. They also noticed at the end when the lady got a new coat and we talked about the dog brightening up her life. The water color pictures were lovely and for me at least did a good job of conjuring up Paris. I did take some French in high school and knew 2 of the 3 French words in the book. It did kind of throw me off wondering what that word was. (I looked it up, it means my word.)

So a thumbs up for story time if you have kids that will sit for longer slower stories.… (more)

Bobby is Chloe’s favorite uncle. They had lots of adventures, and Bobby seemed to understand little Chloe like no one else. So Chloe was upset when Bobby announced he was getting married. Would she be pushed aside? It turned out however, that his betrothed, Jamie, was as fun as Bobby, and paid even more attention to Chloe!

Chloe exclaimed, “I wish both of you were my uncles!” And of course she found out she would get her wish: she was not losing someone at all, but gaining someone.

The book ends with the wedding of Bobby and Jamie, and everyone happy.

Illustrations by Lucia Soto take the form of colorful cartoon art.

Evaluation: The fact that Bobby and Jamie are of the same gender is not central to the plot at all; rather, it has to do with the fear of change in relationships. The book, for ages 4 and up, offers the lesson that the heart is large, with room for much love all around.… (more)