No Mush Today

PreS-Gr 1Nonie, a young African-American girl, sits at the breakfast table with her parents and a wailing baby, sulking: "'Not gonna eat my mush. Not gonna eat it!' I say. 'Squishy, yucky, yellow stuffmush is baby food.'" She puts on her shiny black shoes, and, with her chin poked out, stomps off to live with Grandma (next door), where there's no mushy mush or bawling babies, and where "Grandma "attends" when I'm talkin'." Nonie feels better as she and Grandma go to church, but when Daddy passes the collection plate, he faces a still-frowning daughter. Later, at the church picnic, her mood lightens and she allows her dad to give her a paddleboat ride. Pointing out animals, he says, "Ducklings stick with their families]. Lots to learn from ducks." By day's end, Nonie has decided to return home and is greeted by her baby brother's great big smile and Momma's warm welcome. The story is told in two to four short sentences per page. The spare text deftly conveys Nonie's reactions and emotions, which are clearly reflected in Tadgell's realistic, folksy watercolors sweeping across double pages. Ultimately, this gentle story addresses the universal frustration older siblings often face at having a new baby in the family."Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH" Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Best Children's Books of the Year

Overall, a delightful book. — Kirkus Reviews

Ultimately, this gentle story addresses the universal frustration older siblings often face at having a new baby in the family. — School Library Journal