The Coolest Place in Town

I used this book in a story-hour project that I did for my children's lit class(in college). I read it to a three year old girl and she really liked it. The pictures were colorful and they caught the little girls attention. When the part came when the older sister says that her younger brothers can have the pool back in the winter, I asked the little girl if you go swimming in the winter and she quickly replied "Yes." Then after I gave her a look of astonishment and my saying "You do?" she said "NO WAY!" I think that this is a great story about how sibilings get along. I think it worked well as part of a story-hour, but I also think it would be great as a bedtime story, too. I would recommend it for small children, maybe those who are having a hard time getting along with an older brother or sister. I think that this book really grabbed both of our attention and we couldn't wait to turn the page and see what was going to happen next to the group.

I would have to disagree with the review Horn Book gave for this story. I am an elementary teacher and have used this book with all grades K-5 and found it to be a no miss winner. No matter what group or when I choose to read this book, I have never found a group that did not love the book. It is a wonderful "read aloud" sure to delight any child. All children seem to relate to the sibling revenge of the older sister whether the youngest, oldest or middle child in the family. Kathy has written it in a delightful way that brings smiles to the faces of young readers.