Georgie Lee

From School Library Journal Grade 3-4-Summer at Grandmother's farm always holds adventure and surprises for almost nine-year-old J.D. This year includes a trip to a haunted house, the rescue of an elderly neighbor who has fallen and spent the night outside, a big storm, Great Uncle Early's release of an overgrown catfish, and the day his grandmother gets stuck in a tree. Through it all there's Georgie Lee, a cow with a mind of her own, who always wants to be in on the action. At first J.D. isn't sure about Georgie Lee, but by the end of the summer he is impressed with her smarts, good nature, and persistence. This gentle tale of the close relationship between a boy and his grandmother (and her cow) is reminiscent of stories by Cynthia Rylant and Patricia MacLachlan. Its episodic nature and humor make it a good read-aloud candidate for lower-elementary students or an enjoyable choice for beginning chapter-book readers who can appreciate a nice leisurely pace. Pen-and-ink illustrations are scattered throughout the text.