FRANNY AND THE MUSIC GIRL Emily Hearn Illustrated by Mark Thurman Toronto, Second Story Press, 1989. 24pp, paper, $5.95, ISBN 0-929005-03-1. Distributed by Second Story Press, 585 1 /2 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ont. M6G1K5. CIP Kindergarten to Grade 3/Ages 5 to 8 Reviewed by Kay Kerman. Volume 18 Number 2 1990 March How well we know the delight children take in pushing buttons in an elevator. In this story, Franny seeks out the "mysterious elevator button pusher" in her apartment building because the elevator is stopping at every floor and this prankster is making Franny arrive late for her bus to day camp. Although she is confined to a wheel-chair, Franny is portrayed as a typical child who involves herself in activities that most eight-year-olds do. This book can be used to promote healthy atti­tudes towards physically challenged people. Another plot concerns a mysterious musician whose "music floats down from a balcony somewhere above her [Franny's] apartment." Franny is taken by the clarinet music and is distraught when it suddenly stops. Her enthusiasm for music could also be used to introduce a music theme or lesson in a grade school class. Unfortunately, this short story skimps on details and connecting thoughts; this style results in a jerky transition from one sentence to the next. As well, Hearn's grammar and tenses seem confusing. Upon first reading, the story is difficult to grasp, but once the plot is understood, anyone reading the story aloud can and will emphasize the necessary words in order to allow children to appreciate it. The appealing illustrations by Mark Thurman add a soft and warm element to Hearn's story. These two artists have worked together previously and make a good team. Kay Kerman, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.