Nobody's Mother Is in Second Grade

Pulver's In this ebullient tale, Pulver ( Mrs. Toggle's Zipper ) ebullient tale fetchingly portrays the love and genuine friendship between a daughter and a mother who aren't afraid to act silly together. When Cassandra's mother, fondly recalling her school days, says ``I wish I could go to second grade again,'' the youngster replies, ``That would be ridiculous.'' She happily cooperates, however, when her parent sews a leafy costume and attends school disguised as a plant. Though Miss Gardner's class welcomes their horticultural addition with a rendition of ``You Are My Sunshine,'' one student observes, ``There's something peculiar about that plant!'' Suspicions grow when the plant plays energetically at recess and brings its lunchbox--``sandwich, carrots, and cookie''--into the cafeteria. Meanwhile, Miss Gardner rises to the occasion with a lesson on plant facts, which cleverly reminds Cassandra--and the reader--of all the caring things mothers do. This farcical fable brims with sly wit--and with the sort of drollery that will charm kids and grownups alike. Karas ( The Holiday Handwriting School ) contributes well-suited, whimsical drawings of round-faced, rosy-cheeked characters that exude kindness and dexterously convey the narrative's lightheartedness. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)