I Want Answers and a Parachute

As Matt and Jason fly to San Francisco to see their father and his new wife, Matt warns his inquisitive younger brother not to ask too many questions or else Dad will be sorry they came.

Grade 3-5-Unanswered questions plague Matt and his little brother, Jason, during their first visit to their father since his remarriage. On the airplane ride to San Francisco, Matt wonders if an old family can be discarded like an old shoe, while Jason loudly worries about each and every new experience. Matt spends the weekend trying to be perfect, and must constantly remind Jason to behave. Blissfully unaware of his sons' concerns, Dad rushes them from one planned activity to the next. It is only after Jason runs away-and is found- that both Matt and his father learn to communicate their true feelings. Similar in style, use of humor, and subject matter to Petersen's I Hate Camping (Dutton, 1991), this book relates real childhood concerns and fears in a nonthreatening manner. Yet it is this light style that creates one-dimensional, overwrought characters. Jason's repeated questioning becomes an irritating whine, and the adults appear insensitive. DiVito's cartoon illustrations depict many of the story's humorous moments and nicely complement this quick read.
Bonnie Siegel, Westacres Public Library, West Bloomfield, MI
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

When Matt and his little brother Jason fly from Phoenix to visit Dad and his new wife and stepdaughter in San Francisco, they're determined to be on their best behavior; meanwhile, Dad, wanting to make it a gala occasion, has planned a heavy two days of sightseeing. But though they're all genuinely glad to be together (Dad managed to see the boys monthly even after moving to another city), both sons are frazzled by the nonstop pace. When it's time to embark for whale-watching, Jason (whose many fears are comically introduced during the initial flight) can't face it. He hides, precipitating a healthy leveling: they've all been trying too hard: it's important to be honest as well. Significantly, when Dad gives Jason some real answers to his myriad questions, they help dispel his fears. It's good to have an easily read story where adjustments to new family arrangements are made with such goodwill and common sense. DiVito's frequent b&w illustrations resemble Sue Truesdell's in style; though they don't match Truesdell's impeccable eye and witty characterizations, they add nicely to the humor. (Fiction. 8-11) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Gr. 4-6. Petersen's lively story has a poignant sweetness that really sneaks up on you. Matt's little brother, Jason, has always been a worrier, and he's more anxious than ever as the brothers set off for a two-day visit with their father. Can people get their money back if they decide not to fly? Will the airplane crash? What about a parachute? But this time, it's not just Jason who's apprehensive. Matt is scared, too, because their father will be meeting them with his new wife and four-year-old daughter, Cathy, and Matt wants to be sure that everything is perfect. As it turns out, nothing goes right--until Jason disappears, forcing Dad and Matt (along with Jason, who didn't go far) to confront questions about love and family they've all lacked the courage to ask. A warmhearted story with strong child characters, this tackles a complicated topic with humor and integrity. Jason may be asking for a parachute, but what he really wants is some honesty, respect, and a reassuring hug. Stephanie Zvirin