Mr. Tanen's Tie Trouble

From School Library Journal Kindergarten-Grade 3-The star of Cocca-Leffler's Mr. Tanen's Ties (Albert Whitman, 1999) is back in another appealing tale. Here, the principal notices that many needed repairs to the school have been completed during winter vacation. In his office, he opens his closet and gazes proudly at his collection of 975 wild and wacky neckties. Donning his new Doughnut & Danish Tie, he plans his accessories for the day: "the Back-to-Jail Tie for the teachers' meeting, the School Bus Tie to greet the kids, and the Pizza Tie for lunch." Finally, he selects his Swing and Slide Tie for when he announces that Lynnhurst Elementary has saved enough money to build a new playground. Then the phone rings, and he discovers that the funds for the schoolyard were used for the maintenance work. Devastated, Mr. Tanen auctions off his neckwear to raise the money. Children will love the happy ending as the community shows its gratitude for the principal. Wonderfully bright and vivid watercolor illustrations perfectly portray the details of the cheerful neckwear in this upbeat story.