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CM . . . .
Volume VII Number 12 . . . . February 16, 2001
Trina Wiebe. Illustrated by Marisol Sarrazin.
Grades 1 - 3 / Ages 6 - 8.
Abby, who seems to be about 8 or 9 years old, and her little sister, Tess,
would love to have a dog but can't because it's against the regulations in
their apartment. Abby reconciles herself to the situation by becoming a
pet-sitter while Tess acts like a dog. In Goldfish Don't Take Bubble
Baths, Abby cares for goldfish. Tag-along Tess helps out by adding
dish detergent to the water. In Lizards Don't Wear Lip Gloss, Tess
allows the chameleon that Abby is tending to escape. Then she is unfairly
blamed when it eats Abby's friend's lip gloss. In both books, persistant
Abby solves the problem with a little help from underappreciated Tess.
A few small black and white illustrations scattered throughout the books capture the girls'
emotions and support comprehension in these entertaining beginning novels that are printed in an
appropriately large font.
However, there are some problems. While it is admirable that Abby is so independent, it is
surprising that she is allowed to go to a stranger's home guided by written directions without an
accompanying adult. Also the books follow an obvious formula: girl gets job, something goes
wrong, little sister is involved, girls solve problem. While young readers may enjoy Abby and the
pets, they will quickly determine that the stories are basically all the same.
Nevertheless, these Abby and Tess Pet-Sitters are welcome Canadian alternatives to Cam Jansen
and Pee Wee Scouts.
Recommended.
Joan C. Simpson is a teacher-librarian in Winnipeg, MB.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association.
Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice
is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without
permission.
Published by
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - February 16, 2001.
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