School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2-Arnie is sad because he has no one to bring to Grandparents' Day at school. When he tells his older friends, Ms. Childs the librarian, Jerry the custodian, Coach Ed, Madame Jeanne from the Paris Dress Shop, and Bill and Dottie at the bakery, they all show up at school on the big day and surprise him. Bright, cheery, cartoonlike illustrations of the animal characters carry out the upbeat tone of the story. This is a great way of showing the caring and sharing within a community, and the importance of "honorary" grandparents in a child's life.-Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
What can a boy do when Grandparents' Day at school rolls around and he has no grandparents to invite? Arnie is very upset, won't help the other children decorate the room, and goes off grumpily to return his library books. Carlson (Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come, 1999), in the voice of a caring children's librarian, suggests using his neighbors as stand-ins. Unfortunately, Arnie's next-door neighbors are off to climb Mt. Fuji and won't be back for two weeks. He tells this sad story to everyone he knows, including the bakers, Mme. Jeanne, the dressmaker, and the sensitive librarian. Much to his surprise, they all show up at school, making Arnie the child with the most visitors and the happiest face. "I never knew a kid could have so many people care about him," he declares. Bold, cheerful colors, a menagerie of human-like animals, and a warm message make this a good read-aloud that celebrates the diversity of families. (Picture book. 3-8)
