School Library Journal
K-Gr 2-Everyone in Mr. Thompson's class has been busily preparing for the 100th day of school, assembling collections of bottle caps, buttons, paper clips, etc. Jake has been working on a scrapbook with 100 pictures of his family, but is so excited when the big day comes that he forgets his book bag with his album in it. An understanding principal helps him assemble a second collection, and when his Grandma Maggie arrives with her 100-year-old Aunt Lula, the day becomes "superific." Laminack's writing is, for the most part, clear and straightforward, although there is some strained imagery at times ("her voice was softer than a pillow," "the sound of it swooshed across the room like wind on the playground"). Love's energetic ink-and-watercolor illustrations feature an ethnically diverse classroom with lots of whimsical details as 100 marbles bounce from overloaded plastic bags and paper airplanes whizz through the hallways. This particular spread is doubly effective as the principal's attention is directed not toward the chaos, but rather toward the child who stands alone. Pair this with Margery Cuyler's 100th Day Worries (S & S, 2000), where the issue is similarly resolved by understanding family and school staff.-Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
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