Robert and the Lemming Problem

Grade 2-4-In this fifth installment about Robert, the third grader struggles with conformity. After being teased by a classmate because his sneakers are not cool enough, he switches to boots he has outgrown, and the pain keeps him from being comfortable when he serves as a school guide for a visiting author. That evening, Robert's feet are covered with blisters, and his father warns him about "lemming behavior" and blindly following the actions of others. After he and his best friend chew endless packs of bubble gum like everyone else at school in hopes of winning a contest, they finally decide that they have been wasting their money. Eventually Robert understands the importance of thinking for himself. At the end of the book, his parents reward him with a puppy. Fans of the series will know that he's earned this privilege, but newcomers may feel that it's a bit unexpected. However, children will enjoy the home and school settings, as well as the characters' believable interactions. Brewer's black-and-white cartoons add to the humor. Buy where the earlier books are popular.
Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA
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Gr. 2-4. As third-grader Robert discovers, fitting in while being himself isn't easy. He's teased for having the "wrong" kind of sneakers, but his parents don't understand why he's upset. His dad calls it "lemming" behavior (following the leader instead of thinking for oneself), but Robert's not a lemming--or is he? In an attempt to "be himself," Robert tries many new things--from asparagus ("Stinks!") to playing the tuba ("Cool!"), and he eventually learns that being open-minded has unexpected rewards, as does being true to oneself. This fifth title about Robert effectively blends sympathy with humor and realistic issues kids can relate to. The third-person narrative's short, simple sentences will allow young readers to easily follow likable Robert's progress through his problem-solving endeavors. The message is positive, and the plot has solid child appeal. Offbeat black-and-white drawings are interspersed throughout the story. Shelle Rosenfeld
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