No Mush Today

After reading NO MUSH TODAY by Sally Derby, I decided to share it with the third grade classes during story hour on Wednesday. We had a blast discussing how mush looks and tastes. A few students shared how they felt about being the big sister or brother. One student stated she wanted to run away but her grandparents lived too far a way for her to walk. Students and their teachers loved the illustrations, stating the baby looked like a doll. Derby's writing expressed a great understanding of children who are faced with a new sibling and food they do not enjoy. Nonie learned early the grass is not always greener on the other side, and ducks (families) always stick together. NO MUSH TODAY, will be donated to the Mamie Lou Gross Elementary School Media Center. Additional books by Derby have been placed on the order list for 2009. Reviewed by Toni Bonita of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

Sally Derby's No Mush Today will have young children smiling and some may nod in agreement while identifying with the spunky heroine who feels unfairly put upon on two counts: by her breakfast menu and in her new role as big sister. Nicole Tadgell's colorful and animated illustrations instantly drew me in. M. LaVora Perry, Author of Taneesha Never Disparaging

Nonie is fed up with her baby brother's crying and with the cornmeal mush served at breakfast. She decides she wants to leave her family and live with Grandma next door, because at least Grandma pays attention to her and prepares better food. But later that day at the church picnic when Grandma just wants to sit, Nonie cannot resist her father's offer of a paddleboat ride and a push on the swings. Nonie and her dad see a group of ducklings swimming with their parents, and Nonie reconsiders living at home with her family. No Mush Today may appear to have a simple premise, but underneath the surface is an important lesson about the time demands of providing care for children. Caring for a new baby is particularly time consuming, and as the older sibling, Nonie feels she is bearing the cost when her parents are less attentive to her own wants and needs. Going to live with Grandma seems appealing, but Nonie soon realizes that there are tradeoffs when she misses her family. The rich illustrations add emotional depth to this engaging story.