Summer Jackson: Grown Up

In Harris's first picture book, a cheery take on a familiar premise, Summer announces that she's tired of being seven: "Two scoops of ice cream are not enough. Hand puppets are not that funny. And eight o'clock is way too early for bed." Opting to become a grown-up, she sports a new look: high heels, blazer, sunglasses, and briefcase. Her daily routine now includes reading the newspaper and eating her sandwich with a knife and fork. Ford's (First Family) illustrations portray Summer's transformation with verve and humor, easily conveying Summer's determination and confidence. It seems as though the jig might be up when she charges schoolmates money for her "consulting" services and the principal calls her parents, but they slyly give her permission to be "as grown up as you like." Summer soon discovers the downside of adulthood when she must clean up after dinner, overindulges in ice cream, and finds her parents in her bed ("We got scared of the dark"). Though her return to childhood is predictable, Summer exits on one last sassy note. Ages 4-7. (June)

K-Gr 3--Summer Jackson's parents have always told her that she can be anything she wants when she grows up. The problem is, the seven-year-old does not want to have to wait until then. "From now on, I will wear very high heels with very pointy toes. And maybe a blazer. I'll get a cell phone. It will ring all the time." Summer imagines all of the important things she will begin doing, such as making a to-do list, reading the newspaper over breakfast, and becoming a consultant. But when she meets with several of her clients (fellow schoolmates), and begins to charge them for her services, she runs into a bit of trouble with Principal Cutter, who calls her parents. When they talk things over, her parents agree to let Summer take over the adult responsibilities, which frees them to have some fun. All too soon, the child realizes that being a grown-up is not all its cracked up to be. Ford's charming and humorous cartoon illustrations are liberally sprinkled throughout the book, ranging from three pictures on a page to full-page images. Although predictable, this story should have wide appeal.--Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH