Laurie Friedman is the author of the popular Mallory series, The Mostly Miserable Life of April Sinclair series, and many award-winning picture books. She lives in Florida. As an illustrator, Tamara Schmitz is well known to the many elementary-grade fans of Laurie Friedman's Mallory chapter books. Tamara grew up one of six children in the small town of Carey, Ohio. She graduated from the Columbus College of Art and Design, and spent her early career as an art director in advertising, teaching art, and illustrating greeting cards. Schmitz addresses a topic close to her own heart in her original self-illustrated picture book Standing on My Own Two Feet: A Child's Affirmation of Love in the Midst of Divorce. Sitting at her desk for too many hours, however, drives Tamara crazy. So in her free time she works on getting her third degree black belt in Taekwondo. Tamara resides in Cincinnati with her husband, two children, and stepson.
Gr 2-4-In this sequel to Mallory on the Move (Carolrhoda, 2004), Mallory McDonald starts third grade at a new school in a new town, away from her best friend and her old life. To make matters worse, her mother is the new music teacher. To top it all off, Mallory goes to school on the first day with nail polish stuck to her face; then she gets the part of an eggplant in her mother's Fall Festival. The eight-year-old cleverly pins blame for the nail polish on her cat; but when she pretends to break a leg onstage to avoid performing, she sets up a dramatic, emotional episode that will leave kids holding their breaths to see the repercussions of her actions. This beginning chapter book has large, friendly print and fun, accessible illustrations showing easily identifiable emotions and situations. Friedman's engaging writing style makes for enjoyable reading and, despite Mallory's problems, there is a foundation of happiness within the novel that encourages readers and makes them want to hear more of the child's story.-Tracy Karbel, Glenside Public Library District, Glendale Heights, IL Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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