IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME. Godfrey, Martyn. Edmonton (Alta.). Tree Frog Press. 1987. 109pp. paper, $6.95, ISBN 0-88967-060-9. CIP Grades 5 to 6 Reviewed by Patrick Dunn Volume 16 Number 5 1988 September Michael Hughes moves from Toronto to Edmonton two weeks before the end of school and he is more than anxious to make some friends before the summer holidays begin. He is therefore willing to listen to Chris and Donnie, two boys from the neighbourhood, when they suggest he attend an all-girl party. Chris and Donnie reason that since Mike is the new kid on the block and will not register for the last few weeks of term, the girls at the party won't know him, particularly if he "dresses" the part. As it turns out, Donnie has his heart set on becoming the editor of the school newspaper and he believes the "inside" information Mike will be able to supply will provide him with the exposé necessary to win the coveted position. Although he is skeptical at first, Mike begins to be persuaded when he realizes that his part in the story will probably provide him with a ready-made reputation when school starts next September. It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time chronicles, in credible and humorous fashion, the entire harebrained scheme as Michael goes about transforming himself, with the enthusiastic assistance of his punk sixteen -year-old sister, Joanne, into Michelle. What Michael learns at the party is certainly not what he and his two friends expected, but it does tell them all quite a bit about sonic important values—friendship, trust and genuine affection. Overall, the work is well written. Nice touches (a visit to the West Edmonton Mall, references to the Oilers, etc.) fix the story in this prairie city. Michael, his sister, Chris and Donnie are reasonably well drawn and likeable. Moreover, the situations are credible and, for this teen group, important. Who has not felt such peer pressure, the crushing need to belong and find acceptance? Recommended for elementary school libraries and public library collections. Patrick Dunn, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C.