While Mama Had a Quick Little Chat - Hardcover

Alexandra Boiger is the illustrator of numerous children's books, including Thanks a LOT, Emily Post! by Jennifer LaRue Huget and The Little Bit Scary People by Emily Jenkins. Mrs. Boiger lives in Northern California with her husband and daughter. Visit her at www.alexandraboiger.com.

PreSchool-Grade 2-Mama answers the phone, telling Rose to "get ready for bed,/while I have a quick little chat with Uncle Fred." However, before the redheaded girl can do so, the doorbell rings and four "muscley" men appear bearing a load of party supplies. Rose calls to her mother, but Mama isn't through talking, so the youngster lets them in. Each time the doorbell rings-as guests, waiters serving hors d'oeuvres, and a magician arrive-she tries to get her mother's attention but is put off. When the band arrives, Rose is ready to jump into the action: she fills in for the absent drummer, playing a "boogie-down beat" that steals the show. Finally, Mama warns that she is about to hang up. Rose tells her visitors that they must go, and they quickly depart, taking the mess with them. None the wiser, Mama finds her daughter fast asleep in bed, and whispers, "Good girl, Rose." The rhyming text never misses a beat. The watercolor illustrations feature slightly stylized characters: Rose and her mother have skinny legs and pointy feet, fuller-looking torsos, and hair that flies away at unexpected angles. A busy, colorful spread showing the party in full swing emphasizes the moment when Rose decides to join the fun. Children will appreciate the humor of this slightly over-the-top take on a familiar situation.-Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal
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