I'm the Boss - Hardcover

Winthrop, Elizabeth

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0823411133 ISBN 13: 9780823411139

Publisher: Holiday House, 1994

Synopsis

Julia becomes so fed up with being bossed around by everyone that she puts on Mama's clothes and starts giving orders of her own, orders that no one listens to, except her dog, Marbles.

About this title

From Kirkus Reviews

The subject is clout, and how it's acquired. ``Julia [of Asleep in a Heap, 1993] was not the boss of anything or anybody and she didn't like it.'' Her parents tell her what to eat; her big sister orders her to scram; even her toddler sib hollers when she feels imposed on. Julia tries dressing like a grownup and giving orders; then she wears a ``boss'' sign and shouts. Neither garners respect. Even Mom's pacific proposal that Julia be the family's ``little boss'' backfires. However, quite accidentally, Julia finds that the family's cuddly puppy will sit, heel, or lie down on command--at least sometimes, and especially if he's rewarded with hugs. Winthrop has neatly distilled an awesome topic: power in family relationships. Even young children may begin to grasp the idea that power (and hence identity) grows from responsibility; and also that it helps to be on the receiving end of unconditional affection. Morgan's lively portrayal of the self-assured Julia augments the humor. Delightful. (Picture book. 2-6) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Ages 3-6. A winning story that can't miss with little ones. Everybody--Father, Mother, older sister Molly--bosses Julia. (Baby Annabelle says "NO in a big loud voice," and that's just about the same as bossing.) And Julia is tired of it. She wants a turn at being in charge. Dressing up in Mom's clothes and wearing a special hat or sign proclaiming "Boss" doesn't change anything. It's Marbles the dog who gives Julia her chance to command--but Marbles makes the bossy little girl work pretty hard to earn the title. Morgan's crisp, lively, colorful illustrations capture the goings-on with charm and good humor. Children will easily recognize the family dynamics at the heart of the story. They'll also readily understand the importance Julia attaches to taking the lead--after all, what child of preschool or kindergarten age doesn't want to be boss at one time or another? Stephanie Zvirin

Edition details

• Publisher: Holiday House
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0823411133
• ISBN 13: 9780823411139
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Morgan Mary