Not the Piano, Mrs. Medley! - Hardcover

Levine, Evan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0531059561 ISBN 13: 9780531059562

Publisher: Orchard Books, 1991

Synopsis

Mrs. Medley and her grandson start off to the beach, returning again and again trying to decide what to bring, but finally make it to the ocean and enjoy the simple beauty of nature

About this title

From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-Grade 2-- Mrs. Medley, her grandson Max, and her dog Word decide to go to the beach for the day. Things start out normally enough as she packs towels for everyone. However, readers soon find out that Mrs. Medley is quite the overpacker. Each time they leave the house, she makes them return home for items that she says are essential--an umbrella, a Monopoly set, folding chairs and table, bongo drums, an accordion, and more. Max begins to wonder if they will ever get to their destination. When they finally do arrive, the events that end the story are both humorous and pleasing. Readers will laugh at the grandmother's absurdities while at the same time feeling sorry for Max. Schindler's cartoonlike illustrations perfectly portray the lighthearted mood and humor of the story. The cheerful watercolor drawings are truly expressive. Max's rapidly alternating feelings are clearly shown as is his grandmother's unique personality. Levine's text and Schindler's pictures work hand in hand, making this a fun book that children will enjoy as well as relate to, as who doesn't know at least one Mrs. Medley. --Rachel Fox, Port Washington Public Library, NY
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

Mrs. Medley does not believe in traveling light, even when going to the beach--only a short walk down the hill. She and her grandson, Max, and dog, Word, set off several times, only to turn back to get numerous additional items they might need. Soon Mrs. Medley is pushing a grocery cart brimming with boots, a skateboard, a Monopoly set with table and chairs: a veritable rolling garage sale. Once at the beach, however, she revels in the sun, sea and sand, mindless of her baggage: "Now that we're at the beach, we should do beach things." Max's love for his capricious grandma shines through Levine's droll story--a testament to his loyalty and affection. Boyish impatience and elderly fussiness are splendidly portrayed in an endearing contrast of personalities. In broad, cartoony strokes, Schindler catches the essence of these lovable characters and the sandy splendor of the shore. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Orchard Books
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0531059561
• ISBN 13: 9780531059562
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 1
• Illustrator: Schinkler S. D., Schindler S. D.