Home by Five

Despite her good intentions and the reminders of her father, Rosie has great difficulty in getting home on time from the skating rink. By the author of Steps in Time. Jr Lib Guild.

Kindergarten-Grade 2-- The ice-skating rink Rosie attends closes at 4:30. Her parents have told her to be home by 5:00. Although she tries to be on time , there are so many interesting sights that catch her attention that she is always late. Still, her parents understand the dilemma and come up with a satisfying solution to their daughter's tardiness. This is a warm story of a young girl with good intentions who gets sidetracked, as children often do. Graham's softly detailed oil paintings capture Rosie's genuine curiosity as she starts her walk home; aware of her deadline, she glances quickly at the doughnuts in the bakery window, a tiger cat in an apartment building, the grating through which she can hear sounds from a basement dance studio, as well as other wondrous sights. This gentle tale is accompanied by thoughtful, attractively laid-out pictures that make the most of Rosie's meanderings and her parents' concern. It's sure to appeal to children and adults alike. --Rachel Fox, Port Washington Public Library, NY
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This lighthearted picture book demonstrates how the best intentions often become jumbled--especially by children who have trouble concentrating on just one thing at a time. Rosie loves to ice skate, but she has trouble getting home by 5:00. Although the determined youngster always leaves the rink at 4:30, she quickly becomes sidetracked--first by her friend Josh, then by a neighborhood cat and an enticing bakery window. Despite her efforts, Rosie's tardiness finally forces a practical, parental solution. Wallace-Brodeur's wistful text skillfully portrays a deep, dreamy and creative child, and makes Rosie's malingering almost excusable. The girl's wide-eyed delight in the world around her and her "stop and smell the roses" attitude will be understood and appreciated by many readers. Graham's shadowy, slightly soft-focused oil paintings deftly evoke the book's wintertime setting, with Rosie often a cheery bundle of blue and green, scrutinizing her surroundings. The warm portraits of the girl and her parents project a familial closeness and love that always survive occasional tests of patience. Ages 5-9.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.