Lion at School and Other Stories

This collection of nine tales, some whimsically fancy, some realistic family fare, delightfully taps children's secret experiences. Because of (and in spite of) feeling deprived, Judy's finger turns magically crooked; isolation enables Totty to befriend a dream manatee monster; and little or not, Suck-a-thumb communicates eloquently without words. In each story, an emotion, wish or force is somehow tamed, and in each, children will eagerly respond to Pearce's quick pacing, internally asking, ""And then?'' The length and underlying complexity of the stories make them ideal read-alouds, as Pearce intended. (5-9)