Not the Piano, Mrs. Medley (Orchard Paperbacks) - Softcover

Levine, Evan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 053107062X ISBN 13: 9780531070628

Publisher: Orchard Books, 1995

Synopsis

After several false starts, Mrs. Medley, loaded with gear, sets out for the beach with her grandson Max and her dog Word.

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 Kirkus Reviews:

Levine's first book is a tall tale with a role reversal guaranteed to amuse: Max's grandma, Mrs. Medley, takes half the day to get to the beach--she keeps going home for more stuff. Rain gear, pillows, Monopoly, a radio with extra batteries-- everything, it turns out, except their bathing suits. Once there, Grandma realizes she doesn't need any of it; what she and Max really enjoy are paddling, sand castles, and the sound of the waves. Schindler deftly extends the humor with his overdressed, irrepressible Mrs. Medley and long-suffering Max. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Orchard Books
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 053107062X
• ISBN 13: 9780531070628
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1