Home by Five

From Publishers Weekly This lighthearted picture book demonstrates how the best intentions often become jumbled--especially by children who have trouble concentrating on just one thing at a time. Rosie loves to ice skate, but she has trouble getting home by 5:00. Although the determined youngster always leaves the rink at 4:30, she quickly becomes sidetracked--first by her friend Josh, then by a neighborhood cat and an enticing bakery window. Despite her efforts, Rosie's tardiness finally forces a practical, parental solution. Wallace-Brodeur's wistful text skillfully portrays a deep, dreamy and creative child, and makes Rosie's malingering almost excusable. The girl's wide-eyed delight in the world around her and her "stop and smell the roses" attitude will be understood and appreciated by many readers. Graham's shadowy, slightly soft-focused oil paintings deftly evoke the book's wintertime setting, with Rosie often a cheery bundle of blue and green, scrutinizing her surroundings. The warm portraits of the girl and her parents project a familial closeness and love that always survive occasional tests of patience. Ages 5-9. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal Kindergarten-Grade 2-- The ice-skating rink Rosie attends closes at 4:30. Her parents have told her to be home by 5:00. Although she tries to be on time , there are so many interesting sights that catch her attention that she is always late. Still, her parents understand the dilemma and come up with a satisfying solution to their daughter's tardiness. This is a warm story of a young girl with good intentions who gets sidetracked, as children often do. Graham's softly detailed oil paintings capture Rosie's genuine curiosity as she starts her walk home; aware of her deadline, she glances quickly at the doughnuts in the bakery window, a tiger cat in an apartment building, the grating through which she can hear sounds from a basement dance studio, as well as other wondrous sights. This gentle tale is accompanied by thoughtful, attractively laid-out pictures that make the most of Rosie's meanderings and her parents' concern. It's sure to appeal to children and adults alike. --Rachel Fox, Port Washington Public Library, NYCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.