Jeff Cohen (4)

Sisters Eva and Sadie, who first appeared in author Jeff Cohen and illustrator Elanna Allen's Eva and Sadie and the Worst Haircut EVER!, return in this second picture-book adventure. This time around, big sister Sadie is determined to prepare Eva for her first day of kindergarten. Unfortunately, all she does is make Eva very, very nervous. As the girls' father explains: although Sadie's intentions were good, it isn't necessary to know everything, before actually starting school...

As with its show more predecessor, Eva and Sadie and the Best Classroom EVER! is a sweet sibling story, one which pairs a heartwarming tale with cute, colorful illustrations. I appreciated the fact that Sadie is motivated by love and concern for her younger sister, even if her method of helping isn't ideal. I don't think I've seen any other "first day of school" books from the perspective of the older sister, so I appreciated that as well. Recommended to those looking for picture-books about sisters and/or starting kindergarten. show less

When Sadie decides to cut her younger sister Eva's wild and curly hair, the result is not what she expected. In fact, it is the worst haircut ever! Needless to say, the girls' parents are less than thrilled, leading to Sadie getting a "consequence," in the form of a prohibition on her favorite chocolate for a week, and Eva getting a new, professional haircut...

A cute sibling story, Eva and Sadie and the Worst Haircut EVER! was journalist Jeff Cohen's debut picture-book, and was apparently show more inspired by a real occurrence involving his daughters. I appreciated the fact that Sadie's mistake results in consequences (a concept singularly lacking in some children's books these days), but that it doesn't destroy her loving bond with Eva. The artwork, done by illustrator and animator Elanna Allen, is colorful and cute. Recommended to anyone looking for picture-books about sisters and/or haircuts. show less

Read on July 16, 2014

While I really enjoyed the illustrations, I didn't love the story. The consequences for the deed didn't seem to match the action taken (no chocolate candy for cutting her little sister's hair). And at the end it all seemed fine with everyone anyway.

This realistic fiction is about Sadie and Eva, they are sisters and decide that little sister Eva needs a hair cut. Sadie takes it upon herself to cut her little sisters hair. This causes a bit of trouble when Eva is so excited that she runs down to show mom and dad. Sadie gets a small punishment and Eva goes in for a real hair cut by a hair dresser. The girls learn that they need to let the grown ups decide on hair cuts and that they really enjoy Eva's new short hair cut.
I worry this book show more will give children the idea to cut their little brother or sisters hair?? But I do think it is a cute story that children can relate to (especially girls). I think that the illustrations are very cute. show less