Children's Book review

Totally Wonderful Miss Plumberry

By Michael Rosen

Published by Walker Books

One totally wonderful day, Molly sets off for school. She's taking her grandma's crystal to show everyone. The crystal is from far away, is very special and helps her go to sleep at night. Everyone crowds to see – until, that is, Russell rushes by with his green and pink water-spurting stegosaurus. Suddenly, Molly is all alone and it has become a totally horrible day. However, Miss Plumberry soon notices the forlorn Molly and gathers everyone round to hear about the crystal. Wonderful Miss Plumberry! Rosen's text understandingly captures the roller-coaster extremes of infant emotions. Lee's use of space and page layout heartbreakingly illustrate just how alone one child can be in the space of the school classroom – and how wonderful one special teacher can be.

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Illustrator: Chinlun Lee

Reading age: 5+
Interest level: 3+