What's Wrong With a Van?

From Publishers Weekly The charming and appealing kitten heroes of I Wish I Was Sick, Too!, Edward and Elizabeth, are back. Here the family van is getting old. As Father drives the old green van away, the kittens begin to worry. Their family has had many good times with that van, and worst of all, Elizabeth has left her bamboo hiking stick under the seat and Edward has left his rock crystal in the ashtray. One day Father arrives with a "new" van. It's perfect, and stick and crystal are just where they were left! It's their old van, now overhauled, beautiful and much better than a new carand so spacious they can have even have a party in it. "Long live the new old van!" Aliki's colored pencil drawings add love and exuberance to a warm family story. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From School Library Journal Kindergarten-Grade 1 Elizabeth and Edward of I Wish I Was Sick, Too! (1976) and A Robber! A Robber! (1976; o.p., both Greenwillow), are envious of the neighbors' sleek, new car. This prompts a dismal examination of their old van, which backfires, has tattered seats, and dented bumpers. Dad decides to surprise the family with a new vehicle. After he drives away in the van, Elizabeth and Edward reminisce about the joys they had in it. Dad surprises them by returning with the old van, refurbished, and the children are delighted to have an old friend back. The realistic illustrations are in colored pencils and watercolor. Each picture is framed in black, which is confusing when illustrations span a spread. While readers are sure to relate to the theme of acquiring something new and exciting at the expense of replacing the trusted and sentimental, this book, more message than story, is not as endearing as preceding titles featuring Elizabeth and Edward. Mary Beth Burgoyne, Mesa Public Lib . , Ariz.Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.