E Is for Elisa

From Publishers Weekly Hurwitz, creator of the Michaels family--stars of Rip-Roaring Russell and Russell Sprouts --presents the irrepressible clan from a new perspective, that of four-year-old Elisa. Six linked episodes--in which big brother Russell is an important supporting character--show Elisa struggling to keep pace with Russell and her peers. Readers should enjoy seeing more of the energetic youngster, whose inner life is an active reflection of the worries, joys and imaginative play of children. But the book's format seems to work against its subject. Four- and five-year-olds, who are most apt to relate to Elisa, may be intimated by a full-length chapter book, while older readers may feel themselves beyond such experiences as wishing for a first loose tooth and learning not to cry when being photographed. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 4-up. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal PreSchool-Grade 3-- Four-year-old Elisa goes to Sunshine Nursery School, rides a tricycle, and can recite the whole alphabet. But her big brother Russell, who is eight years old, can read and gets to go on cookouts with the Cub Scouts. He also calls her crybaby and teases her. Elisa desperately wants to grow up and be able to do all the things Russell does. She is convinced that there must be something she can do better than Russell, so when he challenges her to jump off a chest of drawers, she accepts--only to break her arm. A repentant Russell promises never to taunt her again. This is one of those warm, engaging stories that young children will enjoy listening to over and over again. Russell himself is the hero of four other books, and fans will enjoy this new adventure written from his younger sister's point of view. A gentle, realistic family story is always welcome, but especially when it is both a good read-aloud and a fine chapter book for newly independent readers.