At Grammy's House

A brother and sister spend a delightful day at Grammy's farm

PreSchool-Grade 2-- Rice adeptly captures the essence of the ritual events that make potent childhood memories. A sister and brother walk over the hill to spend Sunday afternoon with their French-speaking grandmother. Licking spoons, milking the cow, shaking cream into butter, and setting the table are all part of the fun. Meanwhile Grammy, seemingly without effort, produces a wonderful feast for all. When their parents come to pick them up, the children look forward to the following Sunday. Young readers and listeners are sure to enjoy this peek into a cozy farmstead. Homespun warmth and good humor suffuse Rice's look at a time gone by, when children could walk to grandmother's and families gathered on Sundays. Parker's distinctive ink, watercolor, and pencil illustrations, picturing Grammy's impeccably kept house and bountiful kitchen, are the perfect accompaniment to Rice's story. Lace tops tables are crowned with flowers not so artfully arranged, and eggs, apples, and eggplants burst from baskets scattered around the kitchen. Needless to say, this is no hip grandma of the '90s; she's rather square of figure, keeps her hair in a bun, and wears an apron and sensible shoes. Observant children will love finding extra details such as the French flag in the spoon jar, the dropped roast, and, most especially, the secondary drama featuring the omnipresent cat, Mimi. A joyous collaboration by two masters who have created yet another feast for eye, heart, and soul--wrapped in quilted endpapers. --Jeanne Marie Clancy, Upper Merion Township Library, King of Prussia, PA
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