Attaboy, Sam!

In this high-spirited and generally funny novel, Anastasia Krupnik's younger brother displays her enterprising spirit--and her propensity for disaster. For his mother's birthday, Sam determines to concoct a special perfume by combining her favorite smells: his father's pipe, chicken soup and freshly washed hair, to name a few. The resulting hideous brew is uncorked in a waggish scene that resists the obvious moral ("It's the thought that counts") and concentrates instead on the value of enjoying a good chuckle at oneself. Sam's generosity and naivete, along with his relationship with Anastasia, add palpable warmth. The book's humor, however, is not consistently focused. On the whole, it seems geared to readers at the lower end of the age range, those young enough to identify with a preschooler's mistakes. But other elements--in particular, a subplot concerning an awkward poem Anastasia is writing--are better suited to older readers. Ages 7-12. (Apr.)

Gr 3-5-Lowry has justifiably won Newbery Medals for two of her more serious works, but I say that the creation of Sam Krupnik is one of her highest achievements. In this second book in the series, the precocious preschooler creates homemade perfume for his mother's birthday. When his research reveals that she loves the smells of pipe tobacco, clean hair, and babies, he logically adds tobacco leaves, his own hair, and baby diaper droppings to his creation. Lowry perfectly captures the inside of a four-year-old's mind in a way that adds depth and insight. Logic As Humor Award: Sam does nothing without a good reason. He's a thinker and follows through on his plans. The fact that his logical thought process results in such outrageous outcomes is the genius of the book. Copyright 2000 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Warm, lively, true to children's real inner lives, and laugh-aloud funny all the way." Kirkus Reviews with Pointers