Sunday, November 20, 2016

The Almost Terrible Playdate by Richard Torrey -- ADVISABLE

Torrey, Richard The Almost Terrible Playdate. PICTURE BOOK. Doubleday Books for Young Readers (Random House), $16.99.

When a girl and boy have their first-ever playdate together, they can't figure out what to pretend. Each wants to be in charge, and each wants a different fantasy world. Can they find a way to mesh their preferences, or are they doomed to play alone?

Many children will empathize with the characters' dilemma in this one, and the resolution is satisfying. The illustrations are a lot of fun as well. My only concern would be the subtle reinforcement of gender stereotypes, as the girl wants to play royalty, ballerinas, or rock stars while the boy wants to play dinosaurs, dragons, and race cars. A little variety there would have been refreshing.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Sydney G., K-6 Certified Library Media Specialist

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